What ocular presentation is associated with HZO that appears as a mucopurulent secretion?

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The ocular presentation associated with herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) that features mucopurulent secretion is conjunctivitis. In HZO, the herpes zoster virus affects the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve, leading to inflammation and infection in the eye.

Conjunctivitis, particularly when caused by a viral infection, often presents with symptoms such as redness, irritation, and discharge, which can be mucopurulent. This discharge occurs as a response of the conjunctival tissue to the viral infection and inflammation.

In contrast, retinitis is primarily an inflammation of the retina and typically does not present with mucopurulent secretions. Keratitis, which involves inflammation of the cornea, might lead to other symptoms such as pain and blurred vision but does not typically produce mucopurulent discharge. Uveitis involves inflammation of the uveal layer of the eye and can result in pain, light sensitivity, and vision changes, but like retinitis and keratitis, may not present with mucopurulent secretion.

Thus, conjunctivitis is the most fitting ocular manifestation in this scenario, particularly when linked to HZO, where the viral infection leads to such discharge.

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