AIM: To research the vision changes after phacoemulsification for herpes simplex keratitis(HSK)with cataract, and the clinical effect of antiviral drugs in preventing HSK relapse as well.

METHODS:Twenty-two cases(22 eyes)with HSK combined cataract were treated by phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation, and then randomly divided into two groups. The patients in treatment group received aciclovir tablets and ganciclovir ophthalmic gel, those in control group received ganciclovir ophthalmic gel only. The vision changes after phacoemulsification were observed and the HSK relapse was analyzed.

RESULTS: After follow-up of 6 months, the visions of patients in both groups were improved. No relapse of HSK was found in the treatment group, and only one relapse of HSK was found in the control group after 6 months. There were no significant differences in therapy effects.

CONCLUSION: Under the protection of antiviral drug, cataract surgery can be applied to patients with HSK recurrence-free more than 6 months, and improve the visions effectively. Ganciclovir ophthalmic gel can effectively prevent the relapse of HSK after cataract surgery.