HSV Dendritic Epithelial Keratitis

Characteristic:

• Begins as discrete punctate epithelial keratitis which may then coalesce to form dendritic-shaped lesions.
• May be single or multiple, with typical "terminal bulb" at the tips of dendrite branches.
• Devitalized cells surrounding the edge of the dendritic ulcers best stained with rose bengal.
• Fluorescein dye may pool in the central ulceration of epithelial dendrites