Which statement best describes HSV keratitis education?

• A. It is a viral infection of the cornea that may recur because the virus lies dormant in the body
• B. It is a bacterial infection that never recurs
• C. It is an autoimmune condition with no recurrence
• D. It is a viral infection that never recurs

Answer: (A)

HSV keratitis is driven by a virus that can lie dormant in the nervous system and reactivate, causing recurrent corneal disease. The statement that best describes education for this condition is that it is a viral infection of the cornea and may recur because the virus lies dormant in the body. This captures the defining feature of HSV keratitis: after the initial outbreak, the virus can reactivate, leading to future episodes. That recurrence is why patient education emphasizes recognizing early symptoms, adhering to antiviral therapy when prescribed, and avoiding triggers that can provoke flare-ups. The other options mischaracterize the condition as bacterial or autoimmune or incorrectly claim there are no recurrences, which does not fit how HSV keratitis behaves.