Abstract: Herpes simplex keratitis (HSK) in children differs significantly from adults in its form of development, diagnosis, treatment, recurrence, and prevention, and is often associated with more serious complications. HSK in children is more likely to cause systemic dissemination than adults. The misdiagnosis rate can reach from 15% to 30%. The incidence rate of binocular involvement in children HSK was from 10% to 26%. The most common type of HSK in children is corneal stromal type (the probability is from 35% to 50%). It is more likely to recur than in adults. The diagnosis of HSK in children generally depends on clinical history and manifestations, virus culture and PCR. In terms of treatment and prevention, current research mainly emphasizes the role of oral antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, valaciclovir.(Int Rev Ophthalmol, 2022, 46:  130-133)

Key words: herpes simplex keratitis, children