Bennie Jeng, AAO 2018 – The Use of Corticosteroids in Adenoviral Conjunctivitis

Adenoviral conjunctivitis is a common condition that is aggressively contagious, and therefore, requires early diagnosis. Often the best course of action is to let the infection run its course; however, some possible treatments are currently being investigated. One of these is a combination of dexamethasone and povidone-iodine, which is hoped will remove the infection quicker and reduce inflammation. The other experimental treatment is brincidofovir, which has shown efficacy in systemic adenoviral infection, though not specifically in the eye. In an expert interview filmed at AAO 2018, editorial board member Dr Bennie Jeng discusses the complications and potential treatment options for adenoviral conjunctivitis. He explains that while treatment with corticosteroids is not ideal, and something he tries to avoid, it can sometimes be necessary for highly symptomatic patients or those with subepithelial infiltrates which could result in scarring. Infiltrates can be very responsive to steroids; however, they may reoccur many times, leaving the patient reliant on steroids for an extended time. Dr Jeng explains how to manage these patients and the best methods for tapering patients off steroids.

Questions:
1. What are the common clinical presentations of adenoviral conjunctivitis? (0:11)
2. What are the consequences of delayed diagnosis of adenoviral conjunctivitis? (0:32)
3. What are the most effective ways of managing the condition? (1:12)
4. What is your opinion on the use of corticosteroids for the treatment of subepithelial infiltrates? (3:17)

Speaker disclosures: Bennie Jeng has nothing to disclose in relation to this interview.

Filmed at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) 2018 Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL, US, 27–30 October 2018.