Corneal Endothelitis (Deep Keratitis)
Disease Description and Clinical Picture
Corneal endothelitis represents inflammation of the corneal endothelium and is characterized by corneal edema, keratic precipitates, and a reaction in the anterior eye chamber. The cause of the disease is most commonly immunological/autoimmune in nature and, in the past, often occurred after infection with the herpes virus or adenovirus CAV-1 (as well as after vaccination with a live CAV-1 virus). The patient develops a rapid bluish-colored eye due to the present corneal edema, with a variable presence of ocular discomfort. Due to fluid accumulation in the cornea, blisters (bullous keratopathy), ulcerative keratitis, and secondary glaucoma can occur.
 
Therapy
Medical history along with clinical signs and tests for the presence of viruses can help in making a diagnosis. Therapy includes topical and systemic administration of anti-inflammatory drugs (and steroids if indicated). The consequences of endothelitis, such as ulcers and glaucoma, must be adequately treated. In many cases, surgical intervention is required (superficial keratectomy combined with Gunderson conjunctival graft).
 
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