Herpes of the Eye: Ocular Herpes

Herpes of the eye is a type of recurrent viral infection and is also known as ocular herpes. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus and usually affects the cornea of the eye. The infection is characterized by a painful sore, either on the eyelid or the surface of the eye, which leads to the inflammation of the cornea.

Ocular herpes is mainly classified into three types, depending on the location of the infection. When the outer layer or the epithelium of the cornea is affected, it is known as herpes keratitis. On the other hand, if the infection spreads deeper into the cornea, it is called stromal keratitis. Stromal keratitis is a severe infection that causes corneal scarring, which can ultimately lead to blindness. Another rare but serious type of ocular herpes is iridocyclitis, in which the iris and the surrounding tissue are affected. This in turn, causes redness, inflammation, blurred vision and pain.

Causes

The main cause of herpes of the eye, is the exposure to the herpes simplex virus. The virus generally enters the body through the nose or the mouth. The virus can remain dormant for a long time, sometimes for several years after settling down on the nerves. What causes the sudden outbreak or activation of the virus leading to an infection, is not known. However, it is believed that a particular strain or a sub-type of the virus and the immune system can be important factors, playing a significant role in the development of the disease. Sometimes, an association has also been observed between the recurrence of the disease and factors like fever, eye injuries, stress, sunlight and surgery.

Symptoms

Ocular herpes usually causes certain eye problems like the inflammation of the cornea, irritation and pain in the eye, redness, swelling around the eye and eye infections. Besides these, one may also experience blurred vision, tearing, sensitivity to light and watery discharge from the eye.

Treatment

The treatment for herpes of the eye depends on the location of the viral infection. The superficial infection, i.e. when the epithelium of the cornea is infected, can be treated with antiviral eye drops and ointments. If the infection is not serious, then these antiviral drugs are effective in destroying and inhibiting the growth of the virus. Sometimes, the infected cells are removed by the physician with the help of a corneal spatula.

However, the deep and severe infections are more difficult to treat. Steroid drops are used along with antiviral drops, to reduce scarring as well as the inflammation of the cornea. But steroid drops can lower the efficiency of the immune system. Sometimes, surgery may be required, if the patient does not respond to the usual treatment. Surgery is also required in the case of corneal scarring. Corneal transplantation is performed in severe cases, when corneal scarring due to a prolonged infection becomes so dense, that it impairs normal vision.

The most important fact about ocular herpes, is that it is recurrent and can't be cured permanently. However, if the disease is detected in the early stages, then a further infection into the eyes can be prevented. This in turn, can be effective in preventing the scarring of the cornea and vision impairment. Therefore, appearance of any symptoms of an eye infection, should be properly attended to, by immediately consulting an experienced physician.