What is the benefit of early treatment with acyclovir in HZO?

Early treatment with acyclovir in herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) is beneficial primarily because it reduces the risk of complications related to the eye. Acyclovir is an antiviral medication that effectively decreases the severity and duration of the varicella-zoster virus infection. By initiating treatment promptly, the progression of the disease can be mitigated, which subsequently lowers the likelihood of developing serious ocular conditions such as keratitis, uveitis, or other vision-threatening complications associated with HZO.

When treatment is delayed, there is a higher chance that inflammation and viral replication may lead to lasting damage, therefore reducing the likelihood of restoring normal vision and overall eye health. While hastening recovery of vision is a positive outcome of early antivirals, the primary focus remains on preventing further eye disorders, making the reduction of complications a crucial reason behind early acyclovir administration.