What You Should Know About Eye Herpes...
So, What Is Eye Herpes?
Eye herpes, or HSV keratitis, is a common eye infection typically caused by type 1 herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), the same virus that causes cold sores around the mouth and lips. Eye herpes affects approximately 1.5 million people around the world each year, and is one of the most common causes of infectious blindness in the USA and Canada.
People typically contract eye herpes by touching a cold sore and then touching the eyes with their contaminated fingers. Once contracted, the virus stays in the body for life.
Ocular herpes tends to infect the cornea, causing inflammation, eye redness, tearing, and — in rare cases — vision loss. Many people with eye herpes may not even know they have it, as it can remain dormant within the nervous system without causing any flare-ups.
How Does Eye Herpes Affect the Eyes?
Eye herpes can affect many parts of the eye, such as the eyelids, cornea, retina, conjunctiva, iris, and sclera.
Symptoms of Eye Herpes
- Tearing and irritation
- Redness and eye sores
- Watery eye discharge
- Sensitivity to light
- Headache and lethargy
- Blisters or rash on the eyelids
- Reduced or blurred vision
Left untreated, eye herpes can cause corneal ulcers and scarring, which may lead to permanent vision loss and even blindness. If you suspect you have eye herpes, please contact Eyecare Professionals of Gahanna as soon as possible.
What Causes Eye Herpes Flare-Ups?
Major stressors can lead to a bout of eye herpes. These include emotional distress, excessive sunlight exposure (UV rays), fever, major surgical or dental procedures, refractive surgery (LASIK, etc.), and trauma. A weakened immune system can also put you at increased risk of an eye herpes reactivation.
Can Eye Herpes Be Prevented?
The most important thing is to keep your eyes and hands clean, and avoid touching your eyes if you or someone around you has an outbreak. If you wear contact lenses, follow your eye doctor's instructions on contact lens care.
How We Can Help
While there's no cure for eye herpes, certain treatments can prevent vision loss and help control future outbreaks. Early diagnosis and treatment — ideally within a 72-hour window — can help mitigate severe eye damage. Treatment typically includes antiviral medication in the form of eye drops, ointment, or oral medication.
If you're experiencing symptoms of eye herpes, call Eyecare Professionals of Gahanna in Gahanna to promptly schedule your eye exam.
Q: How long do eye herpes symptoms last? Most bouts of eye herpes last about 1-2 weeks. Treatment is usually for 2 weeks and you should see improvement within 5 days of treatment.
Q: How often do flare-ups recur? 20% of people who've had eye herpes will have another outbreak within a year of the initial infection. If you experience multiple flare-ups, your doctor may recommend taking a daily antiviral medication for prevention.