Shingles in the Eye

Not many people are aware of the condition known as shingles in the eye. It is not a very common medical condition, but it is definitely a serious one. Shingles in the eye area is caused due to an infection in one of the nerves of that area. This infection in the nerves is caused by a virus known as the varicella- zoster virus. This virus is also responsible for the condition known as chicken pox that most people suffer from. People who have had an episode of chicken pox previously are most prone to developing shingles in the eye.

How is Shingles in the Eye Caused?

Chicken pox is caused in most people, usually during their childhood. After the episode of chicken pox, the varicella zoster virus, a causative agent of chicken pox, remains in the body itself, in some of the nerve cells. The immune system holds it back in the body. As you grow older, the immune system starts to weaken, which gives the virus trapped in the nerve cells an opportunity to escape from the nerve cells and get reactivated. The virus then develops an infection in the form of shingles in the eye area. Shingles are also known as herpes zoster, but they differ from genital herpes that is caused due to the herpes simplex virus. Shingles in or around the eyes are known as ophthalmic shingles. Almost 20% of the people suffer from shingles in the eye area and 20% of all the shingles cases are ophthalmic shingles. Mostly, people above the age of 50 are at a risk of developing shingles in the eye.

What are the Symptoms of Shingles in the Eyes?

Shingles in the eye area or in the surrounding areas are characterized by a painful rash in these areas. The virus affects the optic nerve on either side of the body and occasionally it may affect both sides. The rashes are reddish pinkish in color and may also turn into blisters. The pain may be a burning and gnawing one and typically occurs two weeks prior to the appearance of the rash. The skin around the eyes becomes tender and the rash looks similar to the ones that appear during chicken pox. The rashes develop for up to a week and after that they start drying up and may fade away gradually. The rashes may also cause a lot of itching, just like it does in chicken pox. The most prominent symptoms along with the rashes would be pain and itching in the eyes, swelling of the eyes, impairment of vision and constant watering of the eyes. Other symptoms may include mild fever, fatigue and irritation in the area where shingles have developed.

Effects of Shingles in the Eye

Shingles in the eye may cause various eye related disorders like glaucoma, pink eye or conjunctivitis, eyelid edema, blepharitis, retinitis, ptosis, optic neuritis, post herpetic neuralgia, etc.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Shingles in the Eye

The diagnosis for shingles in the eye can be established by an ophthalmologist on examination of the eye area. The treatment of shingles in the eye includes the following.

Topical Creams and Ointments: Topical creams that include acyclovir and antibiotic combination are prescribed for application on the rashes. Topical eye drops are also very helpful in the treatment of shingles in the eye.

Oral Antiviral Treatment: This works best as the treatment for shingles in the eye and should be administered within 72 hours from the onset of the symptoms. It also cuts down the risk of developing post herpetic neuralgia.

Analgesics may be required to control and eliminate the pain associated with shingles in the eye. Getting vaccinated for chicken pox is a good way of preventing shingles in the eye.

Do not ignore any symptoms associated with shingles in the eye as it is a serious eye problem and can lead to serious complications if ignored. Get it treated and follow an eye care regimen, to avoid a host of ocular complications that can be caused as a result of delayed treatment of shingles in the eye.