The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of topical gancyclovir 0.15% in the treatment of herpes zoster keratitis. Half the patients will receive the study drug while the other half of the patients will receive the placebo
Patients with herpes zoster keratitis will be enrolled in the study. All patients will receive oral anti-viral medication as a standard-of-care therapy. The patients will be randomized into two groups and given either the study drug or the placebo at the time of enrollment. The patients will come for weekly visits during which slit lamp photograph of the dendrite will be taken. At week 2, if the dendrite has not healed the drug will by unmasked and rescue therapy will be given. the patients will be examined at week 1, 2, and 3 or until resolution occurs.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
8
0.15% gancyclovir gel to be applied in the affected eye 5 times per day for a week, followed by 3 times per day for an additional 7 days or until the healing of the dendrite, whichever is earlier.
0.3% hypromellose gel to be applied in the affected eye 5 times per day for a week, followed by 3 times per day for an additional 7 days.
Northwestern University
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Corneal Ulcer Healing
Based on weekly slitlamp photographs
Time frame: 2 weeks
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