Contents

SynopsisCodesLook ForDiagnostic PearlsDifferential Diagnosis & PitfallsBest TestsManagement PearlsTherapyReferences

View all Images (3)

Vaccinia keratitis - Smallpox Vaccination
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Vaccinia keratitis - Smallpox Vaccination

Contributors: Art Papier MD, Vince Fulginiti MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Vaccinia keratitis, although rare (and severe if left untreated), occurs when vaccinia virus is accidentally implanted into the periorbital structures or the cornea. Viral replication and the immune response lead to ulceration with subsequent corneal scarring or clouding. Lesions of the cornea secondary to implantation are potentially threatening to eyesight.

Although individuals with healthy eyes are susceptible to vaccinia keratitis, those with pre-existing eye disease (especially inflammatory diseases of the lids, conjunctiva and cornea) are particularly prone to implantation from contact with contaminated hands. Caregivers who bathe or otherwise handle children with vaccinations are the most likely to experience accidental transfer.

To prevent vaccinia keratitis, avoid vaccinating individuals with inflammatory eye or periorbital disease and instruct vaccinees and close physical contacts (eg, household members) of vaccinees to avoid touching, rubbing or otherwise performing any maneuvers that might transfer vaccinia virus from a vaccination site to the eye or surrounding skin.

Codes

ICD10CM:
H16.8 – Other keratitis

SNOMEDCT:
397552005 – Vaccinia keratitis

Look For

Subscription Required

Diagnostic Pearls

Subscription Required

Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential

Subscription Required

Best Tests

Subscription Required

Management Pearls

Subscription Required

Therapy

Subscription Required

References

Subscription Required

Last Updated:07/19/2021
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Vaccinia keratitis - Smallpox Vaccination
A medical illustration showing key findings of Vaccinia keratitis : Eye, Eyelid edema, Eyelids, Individual recently immunized with vaccinia, Conjunctival injection, Ocular pruritus
Clinical image of Vaccinia keratitis - imageId=1039372. Click to open in gallery.
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.