PURPOSE

To improve the treatment of adenoviral lesions of the eye based on express diagnostics by the fluorescent antibody technique (FAT) and the use of modern drugs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 184 patients (333 eyes) with various manifestations of adenoviral lesions of the ocular surface, who were divided into two groups: group 1 (149 patients, 196 eyes) — acute form, and group 2 (76 patients, 137 eyes) — long lasting form. Effectiveness of the proposed treatment was evaluated against separate group 3 (controls) consisting of 28 people (46 eyes) with completed acute adenovirus infection, who had previously received antibiotic and corticosteroid therapy in other clinics. Conjunctival scrapings of study patients were examined with FAT in our proposed modification. Study patients received local therapy with modern drugs (Okomistin, Aktipol).

RESULTS

FAT detected the adenovirus antigen in 169 cases in group 1 (86%) and in 99 cases in group 2 (72%). Treatment duration amounted to 12±6 days in group 1, 18±8 days in group 2, and 29±7 days in controls. In both study groups, the duration of treatment was significantly reduced in comparison with the controls (p<0.01). Stable clinical effect and complete restoration of visual acuity have been achieved in most cases. There were no allergic and side effects from the therapy.

CONCLUSION

Fluorescent antibody technique is a fast and effective way to diagnose adenovirus infection in ophthalmology. In terms of therapy, the use of an antiseptic, an antiviral drug and diluted corticosteroids is the most rational approach.