What You Should Know About Eye Herpes

What Is Eye Herpes and How Common Is It?

Eye herpes, also known as HSV keratitis, is a common eye infection typically caused by type 1 herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), the same virus responsible for cold sores around the mouth and lips. Eye herpes can also be caused by HSV-2 or the varicella-zoster virus, which causes shingles. HSV keratitis is one of the most common causes of infectious blindness in North America.

People typically contract eye herpes by touching a cold sore and then touching their eyes with contaminated fingers. Once contracted, the virus remains in the body for life, lying dormant within the nervous system.

Ocular herpes tends to infect the cornea, causing inflammation, redness, tearing, and in some cases, vision loss. Many people with eye herpes may not know they carry the virus, as it can remain inactive without causing flare-ups. It is not uncommon for HSV to reactivate months or even years after the initial infection. Flare-ups often resolve within one to two weeks, but recurrences are common.

Herpetic eye infections can look similar to other types of pink eye, such as bacterial or other viral infections. Rather than self-treating with leftover antibiotics at home, it is important to have the infection examined by an eye doctor who can prescribe the correct medication. Eye herpes will not improve with antibiotics alone; an antiviral medication is essential.

Which Parts of the Eye Can Herpes Affect?

Eye herpes can involve several structures of the eye, including:

• Eyelids
• Cornea, the clear front surface of the eye
• Retina, the light-sensing layer in the back of the eye
• Conjunctiva, the thin tissue covering the white of the eye and the inner eyelids
• Iris, the colored part of the eye
• Sclera, the white outer wall of the eye

What Symptoms Should You Watch For?

Signs and symptoms of eye herpes may include:

• Tearing and watery discharge
• Eye redness and irritation
• Sensitivity to light
• Feeling of something stuck in the eye
• Blurred or reduced vision
• Blisters or a rash on the eyelids
• Eye sores
• Swollen lymph nodes near the ear
• Headache and fatigue

Eye herpes usually affects only one eye, but both eyes can be involved in some cases.

Left untreated, eye herpes can lead to corneal ulcers and scarring, which may result in permanent vision loss. If you develop sudden eye pain, significant redness, light sensitivity, or any change in vision, seek prompt evaluation from an eye doctor. These symptoms can indicate a serious condition that requires urgent care.

What Triggers Eye Herpes Flare-Ups?

Several factors can trigger a recurrence of eye herpes, including:

• Emotional or physical stress
• Excessive sun exposure and UV rays
• Fever or illness
• Major surgical or dental procedures
• Eye surgery, including refractive procedures
• Trauma to the eye or face

A weakened immune system from illness, medications, or other causes can also increase the risk of reactivation.

Can You Reduce Your Risk of Eye Herpes?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent eye herpes, but you can take steps to lower your risk:

The most important habit is keeping your hands clean and avoiding touching your eyes, especially if you or someone near you has an active cold sore. If you wear contact lenses, follow your eye doctor’s instructions carefully. Do not wear lenses longer than recommended and avoid swimming in contact lenses, as water exposure can introduce additional germs and increase infection risk.

How Is Eye Herpes Treated?

While there is no cure for eye herpes, treatment can help control outbreaks, relieve symptoms, and protect your vision. Early diagnosis and treatment, ideally within 72 hours of symptom onset, can help prevent severe corneal damage.

Treatment typically includes antiviral medication in the form of eye drops, ointment, or oral pills. Your eye doctor will guide you on managing symptoms and reducing the chance of reinfection. For patients who experience frequent recurrences, a daily preventive antiviral medication may be recommended.

How Long Do Symptoms Last and How Often Do They Return?

Most episodes of eye herpes resolve within one to two weeks with treatment, and improvement is often noticeable within the first five days. Contact your eye doctor at the first sign of a flare-up so treatment can begin as soon as possible.

Recurrence is common. Approximately one in five people who have had eye herpes will experience another episode within a year. If you have a history of eye herpes, your doctor may recommend strategies to reduce the frequency and severity of future outbreaks.

If you are experiencing symptoms of eye herpes or have concerns about a recurring eye infection, the team at Insight Vision Optometry in Paradise is here to help. Call 702-747-4070 or visit www.insightvisionlv.com to schedule a prompt evaluation.