Keratitis in Measles

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine the natural history and clinical characteristics of keratitis associated with measles which is currently epidemic in Korea. METHODS: Eighty-four hospitalized patients with measles were prospectively examined between December 2000 and March 2001, during their admission period. Ocular and adnexal examination was performed with a slit lamp biomicroscope. Fundus examination and corneal sensitivity test were also performed. RESULTS: The age and sex distributions were not significant. Age of patients ranged from 18 months to 19 years. All patients with measles have conjunctivitis signs, such as follicles and injection. Superficial keratitis was detected in 7 of 84 patients (8.3%). Corneal lesions were bilateral, well demarcated, round, multiple and 0.2 to 0.4 mm in size. The mean duration of keratitis was 10.1+/-2.9 days in this study. All keratitis resolved spontaneously using artificial tears and prophylactic antibiotic eyedrops CONCLUSIONS:Keratitis associated with measles developed frequently (8.3%), so careful ophthalmic examination should be performed in measles.