I’ve seen some questions revolving around ocular herpes lately. While most of you came to this site in search of information for the usual oral or genital herpes, there are some of you that are worried about other types of herpes. That’s why I’ve decided to write up a small post about ocular herpes here.
What’s interesting is that ocular herpes actually is caused by the same underlying virus that causes genital and oral herpes, namely the herpes simplex virus. It’s not yet been proven how the transmission occurs, but scientists think that the virus might travel through the nerve cells all the way up to the eye.
Ocular herpes is also called herpes keratitis and if you suspect you have an ongoing outbreak it is important that you visit an eye specialist, other wise it can have unrepairable consequences such as impaired vision or even blindness. Symptoms that indicate that you have herpes keratitis include sensitivity to light, dryness, sinusitis and a dull pain deep inside the eye.
If ocular herpes has infected the top layer of the eye, the epithelium, it usually heals without scarring and permanent sideeffects. But if the infection lies deeper within the eye it may lead to scarring of the cornea which in turn can cause impaired vision or sometimes even blindness.
Scientists don’t really know why some people get infected with ocular herpes and others not; but it probably is depending on the what strain of the virus you are carrying as well as your own immune system and genealogy.
Usually, ocular herpes is treated with antiviral medicine exactly like for genital or oral herpes. Sometimes when the infection is superficial, it is sufficient with an antiviral eyedrop solution. When the infection is deeper in the eye an oral antiviral medication is usually prescribed.