Herpes eye (herpes simplex keratitis): causes, symptoms and remedies

Herpes simplex (HSV-1) is a virus that causes herpes infection of the mouth that is usually transmitted through unprotected oral sex. That is why herpes is better known as a sexually transmitted disease. But did you know that the herpes simplex virus can also attack the eyes?

In the medical world, herpes infection of the eye is called ocular herpes or herpes simplex keratitis. Eye herpes can be the cause of permanent blindness due to corneal damage and is the most common source of infectious blindness. Here is complete information about herpes simplex keratitis that you need to know.

Causes of eye herpes

Eye herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) which attacks the eyelids, cornea, retina, and conjunctiva (the thin layer that protects the white part of the eye).

HSV-1 is the leading cause of oral herpes. The herpes virus that attacks the eye causes inflammation of the eye (keratitis).

According to the American Academy of Ophtalmology, the part of the eye that is commonly affected is epithelial keratitis, so it is also known as epithelial herpes keratitis. This herpes virus actively infects in the thinnest epithelial layer of the cornea.

Additionally, the herpes simplex virus can affect the deeper lining of the cornea, which is known as the stroma. This type of herpes is known as stromal keratitis.

This type of eye herpes is more serious than epithelial keratitis because it can damage the cornea of ​​the eye badly enough to even cause blindness.

After being infected with HSV-1, herpes treatment cannot eradicate all the virus in the body. The virus will sleep temporarily, but can re-infect at any time, especially when your immune system is weak.

This risk is greater in people with immune system deficiencies such as people with HIV / AIDS, autoimmune diseases or who are undergoing cancer treatment. However, a weak immune condition due to a minor infection such as a cold or flu can also trigger the herpes virus to become active again.

Transmission of herpes simplex keratitis

Eye herpes is not transmitted through risky sexual activity. Transmission of the herpes virus is more prone to occur from direct contact with skin or saliva that is infected with HSV-1. For example, you shake or kiss someone who is infected with eye herpes or oral herpes.

If the person previously rubbed their eyes without washing their hands, they can pass the virus on their hands to you when they shake hands.

You can get the same infection or possibly another infection through the touch of your skin - especially if you haven't washed your hands afterward.

What are the symptoms of eye herpes?

HSV-1 virus infection of the eye can cause mild to severe symptoms, depending on the eye area affected. In most cases, herpes keratitis infects only one eye

The initial symptom experienced when the eye is infected with the herpes virus is red eyes. This disorder can then be accompanied by other eye herpes symptoms such as:

• The eye feels painful, swollen, itchy, and irritated
• Sensitive to light
• Constantly passing tears or discharge
• Can't open my eyes
• Blurred vision
• Inflamed eyelids (blepharitis)

Immediately consult an eye specialist if you feel these symptoms. Proper medical treatment can keep you from serious herpes complications.

Diagnosis of herpes simplex keratitis

Diagnosis of herpes simplex keratitis infection is generally done by an ophthalmologist. In the early stages, the doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical examination of the condition of the vision and eye structure will also be carried out.

Checking the structure of the eye will help the doctor determine the extent of the corneal infection and how it affects other parts of the eyeball.

If necessary, the doctor will also take a sample of fluid that comes out of the eye for examination in the laboratory. This examination is used to find out the cause behind the eye herpes that occurs. Blood tests may also be recommended in patients who are suspected of having eye herpes due to other conditions.

Treatment for herpes infections of the eye

Treatment for herpes keratitis depends on the severity of the symptoms. For mild symptoms, eye ointments can be used to treat them. Other treatments may include the use of antiviral drugs and corticosteroids.

In addition, an ophthalmologist may need to clean the affected area of ​​the eye. If it is found that the infection is severe enough, the doctor will remove most of the cells infected with the virus.

Whatever treatment is carried out, the herpes virus that attacks the eye still cannot disappear from the body. However, treatment can be effective in dealing with symptoms and speeding recovery. The following are various drugs to treat eye herpes:

Eye ointment

Doctors will usually give ointments such as atropine 1% or scopolamine 0.25%. This drug is applied to the skin of the eye that is swollen or blistered. Its use is usually recommended to be used 3 times a day.

Eye drops may also be given to help reduce itching and redness. Make sure you use only the eye drops your doctor prescribes. Taking OTC (over the counter) eye drops that contain steroids can put you at risk of worsening your symptoms.

Anti Virus

In general, treatment involves antiviral drugs, either applied as an eye cream or ointment (ganciclovir or trifluridine). There are also other medicines that can be taken in tablet form or given by injection such as the antiviral acyclovir or valacyclovir.

In some cases of herpes keratitis that have progressed complications, the doctor can prescribe a corticosteroid as an adjunct drug.

During treatment, make sure you maintain good eye hygiene. Avoid touching the eyes too often, especially to the point of scratching even though they feel itchy. Also, don't wear contact lenses while experiencing symptoms.

If after recovering the symptoms of herpes keratitis recur, immediately consult your doctor again.