Causes of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis and therapeutic measures

ABSTRACT

Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis is the most common type of infectious conjunctivitis, and is caused by adenoviruses. The mode of transmission is mainly through direct contact with ocular secretions. Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis is generally diagnosed based on a patient's clinical features, and additional measures, such as cell cultures, polymerase chain reaction, and rapid antigen detection tests, can further confirm the diagnosis. The most common symptoms include a foreign body sensation, tearing, and photophobia. The symptoms are usually expressed unilaterally in the initial phase, but gradually become bilateral. Frequently occurring complications include pseudomembrane formation and subepithelial infiltrates. Currently, no antiviral agent has been proven effective to alter the natural course of the disease, and treatment merely has a supportive role instead of a curative role. Therefore, preventive measures in medical offices and in the community are the most important methods of controlling the propagation of this disease.