Recurrent herpes simplex virus type 1 corneal epithelial lesions after radial keratotomy in the rabbit.

The effects of radial keratotomy (RK) on herpes simplex virus type 1 ocular shedding and recurrent corneal epithelial lesions were assessed for 14 days after RK in rabbits latently infected with strain McKrae. Ten latently infected rabbits had RK performed on the right eye. The left eye was used as the control. Viral shedding was monitored by ocular tear-film swabs. The recurrent lesions were monitored by slit-lamp examination. In the RK-treated eyes, 15 (11%) of 140 swabs were positive, compared with six (4%) of 140 swabs in control eyes. Slit-lamp examination disclosed recurrent lesions on 18 (33%) of 55 days on which it was performed in the RK group vs three (5%) of 55 days for the control group. The results suggest that patients who have a history of ocular herpes simplex virus type 1 disease are at risk for recurrences after RK.