Fractal properties of herpes simplex dendritic keratitis.

Fractal geometry can be used to analyze the complexity and self-similarity of many natural forms and structures. By using three techniques for fractal dimension estimation, a group of 11 herpes simplex virus dendritic corneal ulcers was analyzed and found to possess outlines with fractal properties. The mean surface fractal dimension approached 1.4 over 1.5 decades of scale. The demonstration and quantification of the fractal dimension of dendritic lesions is important in the understanding of their behaviour and, at a more fundamental level, the planar spread of viral infection.