Zusammenfassung
Besonders in den Winter- und Herbstmonaten füllen sie Augenarztpraxen und Ambulanzen
von Augenkliniken: Patienten mit stark geröteten, tränenden Augen, die oftmals auch
zusätzliche
Allgemeinsymptome zu beklagen haben. Doch nicht jede Bindehautentzündung wird durch
respiratorische Erreger mit typischer, saisonaler epidemiologischer Dynamik verursacht,
bei bestimmten
Erregern manifestiert sich in erster Linie ein charakteristischer Hautbefund.
Abstract
Viral conjunctivitis is one of the most common acute eye diseases. The fall and winter
months are known to be the main season for viral infections which is also reflected
in the
ophthalmological outpatient clinics. Viral conjunctivitis is often accompanied by
symptoms of the upper and lower respiratory tract, fever, chills, arthralgia or skin
lesions. The spectrum
of pathogens comprises DNA viruses such as Adeno-, Herpes simplex and Molluscum contagiosum
as well as RNA viruses. Symptoms caused by pandemic pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 and
mpox viruses
can also cause ocular manifestation. Viral conjunctivitis is often self-limiting leaving
no residual symptoms, however an ophthalmologist should be consulted if there are
inflammatory
symptoms of the anterior eye accompanied by visual disturbance. It is particularly
important to recognize the affection of corneal or even intraocular structures early
to initiate an
adequate and effective therapy. Affection of the cornea, vitreus or retina can result
in temporary or permanent impairment of the field of vision and visual acuity. The
diagnosis is usually
made without further tests on the basis of the typical clinical presentation. Rapid
tests or PCR diagnostics are also available for confirmation. In most patients the
treatment is
symptomatically with artificial tears and antibiotic eye drops in cases accompanied
by secondary bacterial infections, not prophylactically. If the cornea or other ocular
structures are
affected by certain viruses, local as well as systemic virostatic therapy is initiated.
The most important prophylactic measure is meticulous and consistent hygiene.
Schlüsselwörter
Adenovirus - Herpes simplex - COVID-19 - Affenpocken - Schnelltest
Key words
adenovirus - herpes simplex - COVID-19 - monkeypox - rapid test
