Herpes simplex virus stromal keratitis is one of the leading causes of corneal blindness. A topical corticosteroid
agent in conjunction with an oral antiviral agent is the preferred treatment, which has the disadvantages of low bioavailability and drug side effects. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find alternative drugs and develop new dosage forms. Immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine A and tacrolimus have obvious curative effects and few side effects, and may be potential substitutes for glucocorticoids. Interferon-α combined with acyclovir can shorten the course of disease, but the effect is not obvious when used alone. Matrix regenerating agents have new antiviral mechanisms and deserve further study. In addition, nanocarriers delivery systems, such as liposomes, nanomicelles and cubosomes, have great potential in the treatment of herpes simplex virus stromal keratitis due to their ability to enhance drug corneal penetration and prolong drug release.