The role of viruses in the development of ocular surface squamous neoplasia and pterygium

High prevalence of infections with human papillomavirus (HPV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is reportedly associated with an increased frequency of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN). The present review article aimed to evaluate the relationship between viruses such as HIV/HPV with OSSN and HPV with other possible related viruses with a pterygium. HIV infection increases the fre-quency and severity of OSSN, although the documented report on the involvement of HPV is inconclusive. The research findings evaluating both mucosal and cutaneous subtypes of HPV infection suggested an association only between the cutaneous subtype and the increased risk of OSSN. Despite uncertainties on the function of oncogenic viruses in pterygium development, the present literature found a clear disparity. The available data elucidate the potential of these viruses in the pathogenesis of pterygium, at least in a certain group of patients.