Hepatitis C virus-associated keratitis

Abstract

Aim. To study the association between chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Mooren's type keratitis. Method. A total of 50 patients with chronic HCV were screened for any evidence of corneal ulceration. Detailed ocular examination was conducted by slit-lamp biomicroscopy. Patients with history of trauma to the eye or previous herpetic keratitis were excluded from the study. Results. There were 37 males and 13 females. The age of the patients ranged from 10 to 70 years. There was no evidence of Mooren's ulcer in any of our patients. Conclusion. No association between chronic HCV and Mooren's ulcer was found in our study. Screening therefore in such cases is not necessary. © 2004 Nature Publishing Group. All rights reserved.