Recently, led by the Ophthalmologist Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Chinese Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Herpes Zoster Keratitis (2025) (abbreviated as "the Consensus") was officially published in the authoritative scholarly journal of Chinese Journal of Ophthalmology. Professor Li Li from the First Affiliated Hospital (FAH) of Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU) served as the first drafter. Considering the lack of guidelines and expert consensus on ocular herpes zoster infection at home and abroad, the expert panel spent two years completing the Consensus, providing the first authoritative guiding document for ophthalmic clinical practice.

Varicella zoster virus keratitis (VZK) is a severe complication caused by varicella-zoster virus invading the eyes, which can lead to corneal scar, ulcer and even permanent visual damage. For a long period of time, a uniform diagnosis and treatment protocol of VZK is lacking at home and abroad. Consequently, the Ocular Infection Group of Chinese Ophthalmologist Association has facilitated domestic corneal experts to reach this consensus on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of VZK based on clinical practice and latest research progress, systematic analysis of diagnosis and treatment paths, application of innovative technologies and prognosis management strategies, providing scientific and precise guidance for clinical diagnosis and treatment decisions for ophthalmologists.

Professor Li Li highlighted that "early accurate diagnosis and standardized treatment are the core keys to prevent the progression of VZK and protect visual function of the patients." Based on China's actual situation, the Consensus has formulated a step-by-step and individualized diagnosis and treatment protocol in an all-round pattern from pathogen detection and typing diagnosis to antiviral treatment, immunomodulation and surgical intervention, helping to improve the overall prevention and treatment levels of ocular surface diseases in China.

As the first drafter of the Consensus, Professor Li Li has been devoted to corneal and ocular surface diseases for more than 20 years, and has accumulated abundant experience in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious eye diseases. The publication of the Consensus also highlights ever-increasing academic influence of Department of Ophthalmology in FAH.

Full-text link:https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/rEiJr0rZljCQHG9IoI13QQ