# Efficacy of 2% ganciclovir eye drops in the treatment of cytomegalovirus anterior uveitis

## TL;DR

A study found that 2% ganciclovir eye drops effectively and safely treat cytomegalovirus anterior uveitis, improving eye pressure and symptoms without major side effects.

## Contribution

This study provides clinical evidence supporting the use of 2% ganciclovir eye drops as a primary treatment for cytomegalovirus anterior uveitis.

## Key findings

- 2% ganciclovir eye drops significantly reduced intraocular pressure in patients with CMV-AU.
- Most patients showed improvement in vision and uveitis symptoms without serious adverse events.
- Recurrence was managed with additional treatments, but no patients required intravenous therapy.

## Abstract

To investigate the efficacy and safety of 2% ganciclovir (GCV) eye drops for the treatment of primary cytomegalovirus anterior uveitis (CMV-AU)

Retrospective cohort study

This study included 12 patients diagnosed with CMV-AU who were treated with 2% GCV eye drops. The patients’ demographics, clinical presentations, treatment regimens, and outcomes were analyzed.

The cohort consisted predominantly of men (11:1 ratio), with a mean age of 63.4 years and all presenting with unilateral disease. Common presenting symptoms were blurred vision and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). After the initiation of 2% GCV eye drops, all the patients demonstrated positive responses, with improvement in BCVA, decreased IOP, and resolution of keratic precipitates including coin-shaped lesions. Recurrence of uveitis occurred in 66.7% of the patients and was managed with intensified topical corticosteroids, antiglaucoma medications, and/or short-term oral GCV. IOP significantly decreased after treatment (P <.05), whilst BCVA and corneal endothelial cell counts remained stable. No patients developed bullous keratopathy or required intravenous GCV. One patient underwent trabeculectomy for uncontrolled IOP.

This study’s findings suggest that 2% GCV eye drops are a safe and effective treatment option for primary CMV-AU, offering improvements in IOP and uveitis control. All the patients completed the treatment without serious adverse events, supporting the favorable safety profile of 2% GCV eye drops.