What You Should Know About 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. It 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.

So, What Is Eye Herpes?

People typically contract eye herpes by touching a cold sore and then touching the eyes with 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.

How Does Eye Herpes Affect the Eyes?

Eye herpes can affect many parts of the eye including the eyelids, cornea, retina, conjunctiva, iris, and sclera. Signs and symptoms include tearing, swollen lymph nodes, irritation, redness, eye sores, watery discharge, sensitivity to light, headache and lethargy, a feeling of something stuck in the eye, blisters or rash on the eyelids, and blurred vision.

What Causes Eye Herpes Flare-Ups?

Major stressors can often lead to a bout of eye herpes, including emotional distress, excessive sunlight exposure, fever, major surgical procedures, and trauma. A weakened immune system can also put you at increased risk of reactivation.

Can Eye Herpes Be Prevented?

While there is no foolproof way to prevent an eye herpes infection, keeping your eyes and hands clean is the most important step. If you wear contact lenses, follow your eye doctor's instructions on contact lens care and avoid wearing them while swimming.

Have Eye Herpes? Here's 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 significantly improve your symptoms. Treatment typically includes antiviral medication such as eye drops, ointment, or oral medication.

If you're experiencing symptoms of eye herpes, call St. Clairsville Eyecare in St. Clairsville to promptly schedule your eye exam. Call (740) 695-0444.