dendritic keratitis
Quick Summary
Dendritic keratitis is a specific type of keratitis, which is the inflammation of the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye. This condition is typically caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus (responsible for cold sores) or the herpes zoster virus (shingles).12
The characteristic feature of dendritic keratitis is the appearance of branching, line-like lesions on the cornea. These lesions can form small blisters that break, creating raw areas. In some cases, the cornea may lose sensitivity, leading to a lack of pain. This viral infection can lead to corneal ulceration and scarring, potentially impairing vision. Treatment often involves antiviral medications to limit viral replication.12
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
