Research funded by generous donors to Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation is improving treatment for a common but serious eye infection.
It is called herpes simplex keratitis. And yes, it is caused by the herpes simplex virus, or HSV-1. More than two thirds of the world’s population under 50 (around 3.7 billion people) have the herpes virus during their lifetime, but not everyone shows symptoms.
Our peak body the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmology have indicated that now is the time if you have cataracts or other problems to go and get them sorted out, so, at the Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation where interested in your eye health and would encourage you to go back and see your eye specialist.
With your support, Sydney Eye Hospital is tackling antimicrobial resistance in relation to corneal infections.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health threat. When bacteria becomes resistant to antibiotics, it means medication is no longer effective. It’s a serious issue that’s predicted to escalate in the future.
One of the most common reasons people need care at Sydney Eye Hospital is an infection of the cornea.
What’s more, one of the most common causes of corneal infection is herpes simplex keratitis. It’s a major cause of blindness, is irreversible and affects all ages.
