- Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) is a highly contagious viral infection of the eye.
- EKC is caused by several stains of adenovirus, or the common cold virus.
- There is no uniformly effective treatment, vaccine, or antiviral medications available for EKC.
- A large number of people contract EKC from ophthalmologist or optometrist’s office after use of eye examination equipment, particularly during eye
- pressure (glaucoma) checks due to improper disinfection techniques.
- It is very important for individuals infected with EKC to take hygienic measures.
- EKC is now in a worldwide epidemic status.
- EKC virus is not adequately disinfected by 70% isopropyl alcohol, which many eye clinics routinely use.
- EKC can infect anyone, at any age.
- EKC spread can be prevented by proper hygiene at eye care doctors and ophthalmology surgery centers.
Keratitis occurs in 80 % of EKC cases and divided into 3 stages:
- Stage 1: occurs within 7-10 days of the onset of symptoms. It is characterized by a diffuse punctate epithelial Keratitis which may resolve or may go to stage 2.
- Stage 2: is characterized by focal white subepithelial infiltrates which develop beneath the epithelial lesions. They are thought to represent immune response to adenovirus and may be associated with mild transient anterior uveitis.
- Stage 3: is characterized by anterior stromal infiltrates which may persist for months and even years. (9)