Contents:
- Medical Video: Shingles in & around eye, Varicella / Herpes Zoster Virus - A State of Sight #73
- Overview of herpes simplex keratitis
- Various types of eye herpes
- What are the symptoms of eye herpes?
- Diagnosis of herpes simplex keratitis
- Treatment for herpes infection in the eye
Medical Video: Shingles in & around eye, Varicella / Herpes Zoster Virus - A State of Sight #73
Herpes simplex (HSV-1) is a virus that causes oral herpes infection (oral herpes), which is usually transmitted through unprotected oral sex. That is why herpes is better known as a sexually transmitted disease. But did you know that the same virus can also attack the eye? In the medical world, herpes infection in the eye is calledocular herpes or herpes simplex keratitis. In the United States, eye herpesis the cause of permanent blindness due to damage to the cornea andthe most common source of infectious blindness. The following is complete information about herpes simplex keratitis that you need to know.
Overview of herpes simplex keratitis
Eye herpes is caused by the HSV-1 virus that attacks the eyelids, cornea, retina and conjunctiva (a thin layer that protects the white part of the eye).
Eye herpes is not contagious through risky sexual activity. This infection is more susceptible to spread from direct contact with skin or saliva infected with HSV-1. For example, you shake hands or kiss someone who is infected with eye herpes or oral herpes. If the person previously rubbed his eyes without washing his hands, he could pass the virus left in his hand to you when you shake hands. You can experience the same infection or infection in other parts through a touch of skin - especially if you don't wash your hands afterwards.
After being infected with HSV-1, the body cannot immediately eradicate all virus colonies without a trace. Viruses can sleep temporarily and then reactivate at any time, especially when your body's resistance is weak (for example because of HIV, undergoing chemotherapy, or even
"Only" normal illness such as flu and coughing).
Various types of eye herpes
The most common type of eye herpes is epithelial keratitis. In this type, the virus is active in the thinnest layer of the corneal epithelium.
The herpes simplex virus can affect the deeper layers of the cornea, known as stroma. This type of herpes is called stromal keratitis. This type of eye herpes is more serious than epithelial keratitis because it can damage the cornea which is quite severe and even cause blindness.
What are the symptoms of eye herpes?
The initial symptom of eye herpes is red eyes. These symptoms can then be accompanied by other symptoms such as:
- The eyes are painful, swollen, itchy, and irritated
- Sensitive to light
- Tears or tears constantly
- Can't open my eyes
- Blurred vision
- Inflamed eyelids (blepharitis)
In many cases, herpes only infects one eye. Immediately consult your doctor if you feel these symptoms. Quick and precise treatment of eye herpes will keep you from serious complications.
Diagnosis of herpes simplex keratitis
The diagnosis of herpes simplex keratitis infection is generally performed by an ophthalmologist. At the initial stage, the doctor will ask for your symptoms and medical history. Physical examination in the form of eye conditions and eye structure will also be carried out. Checking the eye structure will help the doctor to know the extent of corneal infection and its effect on other parts of the eyeball.
If needed, the doctor will also take a sample of fluid that comes out of the eye to be examined in the laboratory. This examination is used to determine the cause behind the eye herpes that occurs. Blood tests may also be recommended in patients who are suspected of having eye herpes due to other diseases.
Treatment for herpes infection in the eye
Treatment of eye herpes generally involves antiviral drugs, both of which are applied in the form of creams or eye ointments (ganciclovir ortrifluridine), taken or by injection (acyclovir or valacyclovir).
In some cases of ongoing complications of herpes simplex keratitis, doctors can prescribe corticosteroids as additional drugs. To overcome photophobia, topical creams such as atropine 1% or scopolamine 0.25% are recommended to be used three times a day.
