Herpes Doctor

Eye Herpes, or Herpes Simplex Keratitls is a fairly common complication of Herpes Simplex. Mostly it's harmless but there can be complications with severe cases.

The symptoms of Herpes Keratitis are

• Decreased vision
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Pain and redness of the eye
• Tearing

Keratitis is not always caused by Herpes

Keratitis attacks the
cornea, the clear dome that covers the eye.
If it is caused by Herpes it
is more often a complication that follows an outbreak of Herpes
Simplex in the form of a reactivation of
the virus. It is not known exactly what triggers a
reactivation that attacks the eye but one known factor is cross
contamination, for example if you touch your cold sore when it is
in outbreak and straight after touch your eye.

Permanent makeup
(microprigmentation or cosmetic tattooing) may also trigger Eye Herpes
Keratitis. You can in principle catch Keratitis from someone else
but it is not very common. Contact lens wearers should be careful
if they have a cold sore and all people should avoid sharing makeup.

If You Suspect Eye Herpes - See a Doctor

Herpes Keratitis may seem like a mild eye irritation and it may
very well go away on its own. But if it doesn't you should obviously see
a doctor. There can be serious complications involved with severe
cases of Herpes Keratitis, such as

• Chronic inflammation of the cornea
• Scarring of the cornea
• Development of tiny blood vessels in the eye
• Glaucoma
• Loss of vision
• Blindness

The doctor will diagnose you and if you do have Herpes Keratitis.
You will be given advice as well as a prescription for antiviral eye drops,
either trifluridine or vidaribine. The doctor may also gently swab the
cornea with a soft cotton-tipped applicator to remove infected and
damaged cells to help recovery.

Related Links

• See a doctor if you suspect Eye Herpes
• What causes Eye Herpes?

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