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| What is ocular herpes? | Symptoms | Treatment | Consequences |
Ocular herpes is a reoccurring viral infection that affects approximately 400,000 Americans with herpes. It is usually caused by herpes simplex virus I, which is also responsible for cold sores. In twelve percent of the cases, both eyes are involved.
Ocular herpes can spread into the inner layer of the cornea causing the body's immune system to attack and destroy stromal cells in the cornea. When this occurs, it is called herpes simplex stromal keratitis. It is harder to treat and can scar the cornea causing vision loss. It can also cause an infection inside the eyes.
Ocular herpes causes a painful sore on surface of the cornea.
If you are experiencing some of the symptoms described here, it does not necessarily mean you have ocular herpes. However, if you experience one or more of these symptoms, you should contact your eye doctor for a complete exam. Click here for information on emergency or immediate care.
Prompt treatment with anti-viral drugs helps prevent the herpes virus from multiplying and destroying epithelial cells. Ocular herpes patients should avoid over-the-counter steroid eye drops because they can cause the virus to multiply and the infection to get worse.
Ocular herpes is controllable, but not curable. Ocular herpes patients can lose their vision because of repeated attacks. After contracting it one time, the ocular herpes patient has a fifty percent chance of getting it again. The next episode could occur weeks or even years later.