Herpes Simplex Eye infection

Herpes simplex is a virus that causes various infections like cold sores and genital herpes. The virus also infects the eyes quite often and is, usually, not of any serious concern if timely medical advice is sought. However, if not treated promptly, it can cause severe complications, often leading to permanent loss of vision.

Symptoms

The symptoms of herpes simplex eye infection are outlined below:

• Red eye or redness of the eyes
• Mild or severe pain in or around the affected eye
• Watery eyes
• Light sensitivity or photophobia
• Problems with vision, such as hazy vision
• General feeling of being unwell
• High body temperature
• At times, one might not see any noticeable signs despite having contracted the herpes simplex eye infection.

Causes

The normal cause of a herpes simplex eye infection is the type 1 strain of the herpes simplex virus, i.e. HSV-1, which is also the cause for cold sores, and in rare cases, genital herpes.
However, the herpes simplex eye infection can also be due to the strain 2 or HSV-2 which is the virus causing genital herpes in majority cases and cold sores in rare cases.
If one is exposed to the herpes simplex virus, they usually do not show any primary infection symptoms. The virus stays dormant in the body till it gets triggered by certain conducive factors, and then shows up in the form of cold sores and / or eye infections. These factors include having a high fever, other ailments or illnesses, being exposed to strong sunlight or cold winds, tension and anxiety, menstrual periods and weak immune system by being HIV positive or undergoing chemotherapy

Diagnosis

If one has any symptoms indicating an outbreak of the herpes simplex eye infection, it is important to take GP’s advice promptly. Any delay in treatment can have serious implications.
GP and Eye specialist analysis – The GP will discuss and examine the condition of your eyes. They might do a fluorescein staining in which a dye is put in the eyes to see damages or irregular areas inside. The GP may do an eyesight test using the Snellen chart. If the GP feels there is a possibility of the herpes simplex eye infection, he will refer you to an ophthalmologist immediately. The eye specialist will further examine the eye with his specialized equipment and experience. He might draw a fluid sample (tears) from the eye for laboratory testing. Quick diagnosis and prompt treatment is important to prevent severe complications which lead to permanent loss of vision.

Treatment

The course of treatment of the herpes simplex eye infection is dependent on the severity of the infection and the part of the eye which is infected.
The ophthalmologist may not advise any treatment if he feels that the infection would clear upon its own. However, regular checks are required to ensure that the infection is getting better and not worse.
Eye drops and creams – the eye drops and ointments are usually made of either antiviral medication or a corticosteroid. You may be advised to take the antiviral or corticosteroid preparations separately or in combination. When in combination, it works faster to clear the infection.
Eye cleaning or debridement – before administering eye drops or ointments, the eye specialist would clean the eye. This is done by gently removing the infected layer of cells from the eye surface. If the pain is unbearable, the cleaning can be done under a local anaesthetic.
Oral medication – although oral medicines are not generally advised, it may be prescribed to be taken after treatment of the herpes simplex eye infection to prevent the infection from reappearing. The doctor may advice these medications for up to 12 months after the infection has subsided.
One should avoid wearing contact lenses until the symptoms have resolved and the treatment is completed.

Complications

Usually not a serious infection, however, herpes simplex eye infection can have severe and irreversible impacts on vision if prompt treatment is not taken.
Complications of the herpes simplex eye infection can be:
Glaucoma – a condition of the eye in which vision gets impacted
Corneal ulcer – a wound on the surface of the cornea
Scarring of the cornea or the front surface of the eye – this can affect vision and one might need a replacement of cornea or cornea transplant to restore vision.
Other infections – if infected with the herpes simplex eye infection, the chances of getting other bacterial or fungal infections is higher than normal.