Herpes Eye Infection is Serious
Herpes simplex is a virus that infects the skin, mucous membranes and nerves. Of the two main types of herpes simplex virus (HSV), Type 1 is the most common. HSV 1 causes ocular infections and is responsible for the familiar "cold sore" or "fever blister." HSV 2 is seen in sexually transmitted or genital herpes and rarely causes eye infections.
About ninety percent of the population is infected with HSV 1 during early childhood. The initial infection usually presents as a mild sore mouth or throat, or sometimes as a conjunctivitis. It usually comes from close personal contact with an infected adult. In fact, just kissing a baby when you have a fever blister can infect the infant.
After the original infection, the virus becomes dormant, living in nerve cells that supply sensation to the skin or eye. Occasionally, during times of illness or emotional stress, the virus reactivates and causes a recurrent "cold sore" or "fever blister."
In HSV 1 eye disease, the virus reactivates as an infectious inflammation of the cornea -- the clear front window of the eye. This inflammation produces scarring which can, in severe cases, lead to blindness. The infection varies in duration, severity and response to treatment, depending on which of several different strains of HSV 1 caused the original infection. Basically, it is a "cold sore" or "fever blister" of the eye.
The infection usually begins on the surface of the cornea. The eye becomes red, painful and light sensitive. Although most affected individuals will have only one episode, there is a twenty five percent chance of developing recurrent episodes. Recurrence usually has a poor prognosis, since it is these patients who are at high risk for developing sight threatening complications such as corneal ulcers, secondary bacterial infections and severe intraocular inflammation. Fortunately, HSV 1 usually occurs in only one eye and spreading the infection to the other eye or another person is unlikely.
The treatment of ocular HSV 1 depends on how severe the infection is. Antiviral eye medications are usually effective in suppressing the infection. However, they may need to be applied as frequently as one drop per hour. Antibiotic drops are usually prescribed to prevent secondary bacterial infection. In those cases in which severe corneal scarring causes visual loss, a corneal transplant is usually necessary.
If you suspect that you have a herpes eye infection, it is very important to consult an ophthalmologist before beginning any treatment, since some medications, such as topical steroid drops, may actually make the infection worse.
