Recognize Symptoms of Herpes in the Eyes and Treatment

Not only in the genitals, herpes can also attack the eyes. However, the herpes virus that attacks the eye is different from the herpes virus that attacks the genitals, so herpes in the eye is not a sexually transmitted disease.

Herpes in the eye is caused by two types of herpes viruses, namely varicella-zoster virus and herpes simplex virus 1. The varicella-zoster virus is the same as the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles, while the herpes virus simplex 1 is the same as the herpes virus that also attacks the mouth.

Recognize Symptoms of Herpes in the Eyes and Treatment

Before these two viruses infect the eye, someone should have been attacked by this virus, both in the form of chickenpox and oral herpes. Therefore, the doctor will usually ask the patient whether he has had the disease before.

After attacking humans, these two types of herpes virus will live around nerve fibers without causing problems. This virus only causes problems and moves from one area of ​​the body to another when the immune system decreases due to an illness, such as AIDS, or because of increasing age.

Symptoms of Herpes in the Eye

Herpes in the eye can cause a series of symptoms in the eye. Symptoms that appear in each person can be different, depending on the type of virus. Below is a description of the symptoms of herpes simplex and herpes zoster.

Symptoms of herpes simplex in the eye (herpes simplex keratitis)

Symptoms arising from herpes keratitis simplex is:

  • red and watery eyes.
  • Pain in one eyeball and the surrounding area.
  • Feeling there is dirt or "sand" in in the eye.
  • Excessive glare when seeing light.
  • Corneas swollen and cloudy.

Symptoms of herpes zoster in the eye (herpes zoster ophthalmic)

Symptoms that can arise due to varicella-zoster virus infection in the eye are:

  • Reddish rash on the eyelids, tip of the nose, and forehead.
  • Headache and fever.
  • Pain in one eyeball and the surrounding area.
  • The view becomes opaque.
  • Corneal cloudy eyes and swollen.

Based on the symptoms that appear, the ophthalmologist will do the examination before test special dye for eyes. Then, the doctor will check the condition of the eyes using ultraviolet light.

Treatment of Herpes in the Eye

Herpes is a viral infection, so the treatment is not with antibiotics, but with antiviral drugs. The ophthalmologist will give the antiviral drug tablets taken to speed healing and reduce the severity of the condition. The following are some types of drugs that are commonly given to treat herpes in the eye:

1. Antiviral drugs

Antiviral drugs are important to take regularly and according to your doctor's recommendations. Don't stop using the drug without the doctor's knowledge, even though the symptoms have improved. This can cause the infection to recur.

2. Corticosteroid eye drops

When the herpes in the eye has attacked the cornea, the doctor will give corticosteroid eye drops to prevent damage to the cornea. However, corticosteroid eye drops can increase the pressure inside the eyeball. While using corticosteroid eye drops, it is important to regularly see a doctor to monitor the side effects of the drug. To prevent an increase in pressure in the eyeball that can cause glaucoma, doctors can give other types of eye drops, such as pilocarpine .

3. Pain relievers

Please note, pain can still be felt by the patient even though the symptoms in the eye have already seen improvement. So, do not quickly conclude that treatment has failed when the pain persists. Patients are encouraged to discuss with the doctor again about complaints of pain. Doctors can provide painkillers to reduce pain in the eye.

4. Corneal transplantation

Corneal damage due to herpes can cause injury to the cornea (corneal ulcer), which will impair vision, even cause blindness. If you have experienced blindness due to a corneal ulcer, the patient can only be treated with a corneal transplant. To prevent herpes in the eye, you need to maintain your immune system by eating nutritious balanced foods and getting enough rest. Especially for herpes zoster in the eye, prevention can also be done by vaccinating herpes zoster, especially for the elderly.

Written by:

dr. Dian H. Rahim, SpM
( Ophthalmologist )

Label : Health cat_Health

Comments


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