HERPES OF THE EYE

Herpes of the eye is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HVS) that results in blisters or cold sores.  When it influences a person’s eyes, it causes a condition known as ocular herpes or eye herpes. 

Eye herpes is the most typical cause of blindness related to cornea damage. In rare cases, it can influence the vision and the deeper layer of the eyes. Moreover, it has irritating or uncomfortable signs and symptoms.

Both moderate and severe cases of this condition can be cured with antiviral drugs. And with immediate diagnosis and treatment, it can be managed, and the harm to the cornea will be lessened.

TYPES

The two common types of eye herpes are:

  • Epithelial Keratitis. Epithelial keratitis is the common type of this condition wherein the virus lives in the narrow utmost layer of the cornea called the epithelium. 
  • Stromal Keratitis. Stromal keratitis can influence the deeper layer of the cornea. It is more severe than the epithelial one since it can damage the cornea and cause blindness with its repeated and progressive outbreak.

SYMPTOMS

The most common signs of eye herpes include:

  • Sensitivity to light
  • Eye pain
  • Tearing
  • Mucus discharge
  • Blurry vision
  • Inflamed or painful eyelids
  • Red, blistering rash on the eyelid
  • Red-eye

In many instances, eye herpes can affect one eye only. Nevertheless, it is needed to seek immediate medical care if you are experiencing any of these symptoms to avoid worst case scenarios, particularly blindness.

DIAGNOSIS

An eye specialist will diagnose eye herpes by asking you about your symptoms, medical history, and when your symptoms started. 

Also, your doctor may do a physical examination to assess your eye movements, sensitivity to light, and vision. He/she may apply eye drops in your eyes to widen or dilate the iris. This enables the doctor to tell the condition of your eye’s retina. 

Other tests that your doctor may execute are:

  • Fluorescein eye stain test 
  • Sample of cells from the eye surface
  • Blood test to examine antibodies

TREATMENT

If you are diagnosed with eye herpes, you will immediately be given a prescribed antiviral treatment. The treatment varies depending on whether you have stromal keratitis or epithelial keratitis. 

Stromal Keratitis Treatment includes:

  • Antiviral therapy 
  • Eye drops
  • Anti-inflammatory medications

Epithelial Keratitis Treatment includes:

  • Antiviral medication
  • Antiviral eye drops
  • Oral or ointment antiviral drugs

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