How to relieve pain from viral keratitis

Viral keratitis is a common ophthalmic condition. It is typically caused by recurrent infections with herpes simplex virus (HSV) or varicella-zoster virus (VZV). So, how can the pain associated with viral keratitis be alleviated?

How to Alleviate Pain in Viral Keratitis

In cases of viral keratitis, initial management usually involves topical medications—such as ocular irrigation with normal saline, antiviral eye drops, antibiotic eye drops, and other supportive eye drops—as well as mydriatic agents (pupil-dilating drugs). Systemic therapies may also be employed, including oral or intravenous antiviral agents, antibiotics, and immunomodulatory drugs to enhance immune function. Warm compresses applied to the eyes can further help relieve symptoms. During active viral keratitis, ocular discharge often increases significantly; in such cases, irrigation with normal saline or boric acid solution can effectively remove bacteria from the corneal surface and improve clinical outcomes.

Under medical supervision, patients with viral keratitis may use topical antiviral agents such as acyclovir eye drops or ganciclovir eye gel. Corneal nutritional supplements may also be prescribed to support corneal healing. Additionally, systemic antiviral therapy—either oral or injectable—may be indicated depending on disease severity; however, treatment should always be administered under the guidance of an ophthalmologist at a hospital-based eye clinic.

Patients with viral keratitis are encouraged to consume nutrient-rich foods such as lean poultry, organ meats, milk, eggs, and legumes. We hope this information proves helpful.