Herpes Simplex Eye Disease

Herpes simplex is a virus that infects the skin, mucous membranes, and nerves. There are two types of herpes simplex virus (HSV). Type I is the most common and primarily infects the face (cold sores and fever blisters). Type II is the sexually transmitted form of herpes. While both can spread to the eye, (you can transfer the infection to your eye by touching an active lesion and then your eye) Type I is by far the most frequent type associated with herpes simplex eye disease.

What are the symptoms of Herpes Simplex Eye Disease?

Once present in the eye, herpes simplex typically infects the eyelids, conjunctiva, and cornea. Symptoms can include red eye, soreness or pain in the eye, tearing, light sensitivity, irritation and blurred vision. Usually, the disease starts with an infection on the surface of the cornea. Your eye will become red, sore and sensitive to light. The infection can possibly spread deeper into the cornea and cause inflammation or possible permanent scarring of the cornea. It is also possible that chronic ulcers may develop on the cornea.

What is the treatment for Herpes Simplex Eye Disease?

The form of treatment for herpes simplex eye disease will depend on the severity of the infection. A mild infection will typically be treated with topical and or oral anti-viral medication. Your eye care professional may scrape the affected area of the cornea to remove diseased cells. A corneal transplant may be required in the cases involving severe scarring and vision loss.

There is no complete cure for herpes. After the initial outbreak of ocular herpes, there is a 50% chance of recurrence. Ocular herpes may occur weeks or even years after the initial episode.

To help you control recurrent outbreaks:

• Avoid touching your eyes if you have an active cold sore or blister
  
  
• Do not use over-the-counter steroid eye drops (steroids cause the virus to multiply)
  
  
• Stop wearing contact lenses
  
  
• See your eye care professional immediately if ocular herpes symptoms return

See also Herpes Zoster

Common Eye
Diseases & Disorders:

Astigmatism

Chalazion

Corneal Disease &
Transplants

Eyelid Margin Disease
including Blepharitis

Glaucoma Types &
Testing

Herpes Simplex
Eye Disease

Hyperopia
(Farsightedness)

Macular Degeneration

Posterior Capsulotomy

Tearing in Adults

Bullous Keratopathy

Conjunctivitis

Diabetic Retinopathy

Fuchs' Cornial
Dystrophy

Glaucoma Treatment

Herpes Zoster

Keratoconus

Ocular Nutrition

Presbyopia

Thyroid Eye Disorders

Cataracts

Corneal Abrasion &
Erosion

Dry Eye

Glaucoma Causes &
Symptoms

Glaucoma
Laser Iridotomy

How the Eye Works

Myopia
(Nearsightedness)

Ocular Rosacea

Pterygium &
Pinguecula

Uveitis