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Zoster keratitis is a corneal complication of herpes zoster ophthalmicus. It occurs when varicella-zoster virus reactivates along the ophthalmic nerve. The virus triggers inflammation of the cornea. Vision can be threatened if untreated.
read more about zoster keratitis ...The condition is caused by reactivation of varicella-zoster virus. Viral spread along sensory nerves affects the cornea. Immune response contributes to tissue damage. Older age increases risk.
Symptoms include eye pain, redness, and blurred vision. Light sensitivity is common. Corneal haze or scarring may develop. Symptoms often follow a facial shingles rash.
Diagnosis is based on clinical examination and patient history. Slit-lamp exam shows corneal inflammation. Skin findings support diagnosis. Laboratory testing is rarely required.
Zoster keratitis can affect the cornea even after other shingles symptoms improve, so follow-up with an eye specialist is usually needed. Monitoring helps catch ongoing inflammation, scarring, dry eye problems, or pressure changes that can impact vision. Treatment can take time and sometimes needs adjustments based on response. If eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, or blurred vision worsens, seek care promptly.
The virus can spread from active skin lesions to non-immune individuals.
Yes, scarring can impair vision if untreated.
Recovery can take weeks to months.
Vaccination reduces shingles risk and related eye complications.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Shingles Vaccination." https://www.cdc.gov/
American Academy of Ophthalmology. "Herpes Zoster and the Eye." https://www.aao.org/
National Eye Institute. "Ocular Herpes Zoster." https://www.nei.nih.gov/
Mayo Clinic. "Shingles and Vision Loss." https://www.mayoclinic.org/
NIH. "Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus Review." https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/