HERPES-SIMPLEX KERATITIS IN CHILDREN

Ophthalmic findings are reported in 31 eyes of 28 children with herpes simplex keratitis. Twenty two had dendritic ulcers, and nine had geog raphic ulcers or disciform stromal keratitis. After resolution of kera titis, 80% (19/22) of children with dendritic ulcers achieved correcte d visual acuity of 6/9 or better, 50% (11/22) had induced astigmatism, 45% (9/22) had one to five recurrences. In the group with geographic or disciform lesions, 89% (8/9) had reduced corrected vision, 78% (7/9 ) had induced astigmatism which was predominantly against the rule, an d 87% (7/9) had one to six recurrences.