AIM: To evaluate the clinical values of oral ganciclovir on the treatment of corneal endotheliitis.

METHODS:The data of 14 eyes of 14 patients with corneal endotheliitis diagnosed in China Medical University Eye Center from October 2011 to October 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. Oral ganciclovir was orally administered 1.0g 3 times per day for 2-4 weeks, and then by 0.5g 3 times per day for 4 weeks; 1.5g/L ganciclovir ophthalmic gel and 10g/L prednisolone acetate eye drops were adopted in eyes. The symptoms and signs, together with effective rate and cure rate were evaluated before and after the therapy 1 ^st week, 2^nd week,4^th week and 8^th week respectively. The recurrence was followed up. The score before and after the treatment by Rank-sum test was compared.

RESULTS: One week after therapy of oral ganciclovir, the symptoms and signs bettered, the score changed from 19.14±4.57 to 11.43±3.86, then 6.93±2.59 for 2^nd week, and 0.29±0.87 for 4^th week. Till 8^th week, the symptoms and signs of all the patients disappeared completely. The effective rate was 71%, 100%, 100%, 100% after the therapy 1^st week, 2^nd week, 4^th week and 8^th week respectively. Compared with the vision of before, 10 cases fully recovered, 3 cases declined mildly, and 1 case significantly reduced. None of the cases recurred during the follow-up time.

CONCLUSION: Treating corneal endotheliitis by oral ganciclovir combined with eye drops is effective. Oral ganciclovir could prevent recurrence.