Herpes zoster ophthalmicus: declining age at presentation

Conclusions Ever since the introduction of varicella vaccination in children, there has been debate regarding its effect on zoster epidemiology, particularly regarding the potential to reduce population exposure and limit repeated immunological boosts against varicella zoster virus in adults. Patients presenting to MEEI with HZO were younger on average in 2013 than in 2007. Although a population-based study is necessary to test the hypothesis, our study suggests that varicella vaccination of children remains a possible explanation for the increased number of cases and reduction in mean age of newly diagnosed patients.
Source: British Journal of Ophthalmology - Category: Opthalmology Authors: Tags: Eye (globe), Neurology, Epidemiology Original articles - Clinical science Source Type: research