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What Is Eye Herpes?

Eye herpes, or ocular herpes, is an infection of the eye caused by viruses such as herpes simplex type 1 or 2 or varicella zoster (shingles). Symptoms include eye pain, irritation, redness, a foreign body sensation, light sensitivity, watery eyes, eyelid swelling and clusters of blisters on or around the eyelids. The infection can lead to corneal ulcers and scarring, risking vision loss. Prompt treatment reduces complications, but the virus remains dormant and can recur.

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What Is Eye Herpes?

Eye herpes, or ocular herpes, is an infection of the eye caused by viruses such as herpes simplex type 1 or 2 or varicella zoster (shingles). Symptoms include eye pain, irritation, redness, a foreign body sensation, light sensitivity, watery eyes, eyelid swelling and clusters of blisters on or around the eyelids. The infection can lead to corneal ulcers and scarring, risking vision loss. Prompt treatment reduces complications, but the virus remains dormant and can recur.

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How Do You Get Eye Herpes?

HSV-1 usually spreads through oral contact such as kissing or sharing utensils, while HSV-2 is transmitted through sexual contact or from mother to newborn during birth. Varicella zoster causes chickenpox and can reactivate as shingles, affecting the eye. The virus remains dormant in nerve cells and may reactivate when triggered by stress, fever, ultraviolet light, certain medications, menstruation or weakened immunity. Vaccination against varicella reduces risk of shingles.

Symptoms and Complications

Eye herpes may present with pain, redness, watery discharge, foreign body sensation, and sensitivity to light. Clusters of blisters may form on the eyelids or skin around the eye. Involvement of the cornea can lead to ulcers and scarring. Varicella zoster infection may cause a skin rash on the forehead and droopy eyelids. Recurrences are common and can worsen damage over time.

Diagnosis and Prevention

Diagnosis involves a thorough eye exam, slit-lamp evaluation and swabs or blood tests to identify the virus. Preventive measures include practicing good hygiene, avoiding contact with active herpes lesions, using protective barriers and receiving the varicella vaccine. For people with frequent recurrences, doctors may prescribe antiviral medication prophylactically.

Treatment for Eye Herpes

Treatment involves antiviral medications such as acyclovir, famciclovir, ganciclovir, trifluridine or valacyclovir to shorten the episode and reduce recurrence. Antibiotic drops may prevent secondary bacterial infection. Anti-inflammatory medications relieve pain and inflammation. Severe cases involving scarring or structural damage may require surgery. Long-term management is needed because the virus persists in the body.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can eye herpes be cured?

Antiviral medications treat outbreaks and reduce recurrence, but they don't eradicate the virus. It remains dormant in nerve cells, so flare-ups can occur. Good hygiene and prophylactic antivirals help control the condition.

Is eye herpes contagious?

Yes. The herpes virus can spread through direct contact with active lesions or contaminated items. Avoid touching the sores and wash hands frequently to prevent spreading the virus to others or other parts of your body.

How is eye herpes diagnosed?

An eye doctor performs a slit-lamp exam and may take swabs or blood tests to identify the virus. Prompt diagnosis ensures timely treatment and reduces risk of complications.

What triggers eye herpes flare-ups?

Triggers include physical or emotional stress, fever, ultraviolet light, certain medications, menstruation and anything that weakens your immune system. Managing stress and avoiding triggers can reduce recurrences.