Clinical Case Study: Post-Surgical Antiviral Intervention Following Pterygium Excision Informed by Corneal Confocal Microscopy - Report - MDSpire

Clinical Case Study: Post-Surgical Antiviral Intervention Following Pterygium Excision Informed by Corneal Confocal Microscopy

  • By

  • Fangfang Jin

  • Wenwei Li

  • Ting Wu

  • Bin Wang

  • April 28, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Post-Surgical Antiviral Intervention Following Pterygium Excision

Overview

Revise to emphasize the rarity and potential severity of herpes simplex keratitis as a complication.

Background

Pterygium is a common ocular condition that can lead to significant visual impairment and complications following surgical excision. Understanding the potential for secondary infections, such as herpes simplex keratitis, is essential for optimizing patient management post-surgery. This case underscores the importance of advanced diagnostic techniques like corneal confocal microscopy in identifying complications early.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available in the article.

Key Findings

  • Herpes simplex keratitis can occur as a rare complication after pterygium surgery.
  • Corneal confocal microscopy revealed significant changes in the corneal epithelium and inflammatory cell presence.
  • The patient experienced a favorable prognosis following antiviral treatment.
  • In vivo confocal microscopy is crucial for diagnosing secondary corneal diseases post-surgery.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for achieving good visual outcomes in patients with suspected viral infections.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should consider the risk of herpes simplex keratitis in patients undergoing pterygium excision, especially those with a history of herpetic eye disease. Implementing routine use of corneal confocal microscopy may enhance early detection and management of post-surgical complications.

Conclusion

This case study emphasizes the need for vigilance in monitoring patients post-pterygium surgery for potential viral infections. Early intervention with antiviral therapy can lead to improved clinical outcomes.

References

  1. Contact Lens Spectrum, 1996 -- Treating Post-Refractive Surgery Complications
  2. Infection, 2024 -- Infectious Crystalline Keratopathy Manifesting as a Corneal Snowflake Following Penetrating Keratoplasty: A Case Study
  3. Ophthalmology Management, 2008 -- Limiting the Risk of Infectious Keratitis Following LASIK
  4. Clinical outcomes of pterygium surgery over a ten-year period: a review of recurrence and complication rates, BMC Ophthalmology, 2025
  5. Corneal Physician — MY CORNEAL SAVE: How I Managed a Rare Post-LASIK Occurence
  6. Clinical strategies to prevent recurrence of Herpes simplex and Herpes zoster following ocular surgery
  7. The Role of In Vivo Confocal Microscopy in Ocular Disease
  8. Clinical outcomes of pterygium surgery over a ten-year period: a review of recurrence and complication rates | BMC Ophthalmology | Springer Nature Link

Original Source(s)

Clinical Case Study: Post-Surgical Antiviral Intervention Following Pterygium Excision Informed by Corneal Confocal Microscopy

  • by Fangfang Jin, Wenwei Li, Ting Wu, Bin Wang

  • April 28, 2026

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