Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis.

Following a definition of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) and the etiologic agent responsible, a brief history of the disorder dating back to 1889 is given. The clinical course, signs, symptoms, and corneal involvement of this disease, which sets it apart from other adenovirus conjunctivitis, are described. During the late summer of 1981, epidemics of viral conjunctivitis were reported in India and Miami, Florida. At this same time, in our office in Memphis Tennessee, we examined and treated 15 patients who had EKC of the adenovirus type 8 variety. A brief history, objective findings, and treatment of this condition are given along with findings, treatment, and follow-up of our series of patients; a probable cause of infection is offered. Good office hygiene can prevent the spread of EKC. Schiötz tonometry on a patient in the incubation period or during the later infection stage can spread the disease. Patients with EKC in whom a conjunctival pseudomembrane develops may have permanent scarring in the fornicies. Subepithelial corneal opacities of EKC may persist for months or longer, some more than three years. Use of topical steroids may cause remission of the subepithelial corneal opacities, but, when the drug is discontinued, reappearance of the lesions may result after months or a year or more.