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Herpes Viruses (Including the
Chickenpox Virus) and the Eyes
Introduction to Herpes Viruses and the Eyes
Most
people are surprised to find out that two types of herpes
viruses -- the one that causes cold sores and the one that
causes chickenpox -- can cause serious eye problems.
These two viruses are not the same virus that causes genital
herpes, and herpetic eye disease is not a sexually transmitted
disease.
One of the viruses that cause herpetic eye disease is called
the varicella-zoster virus. It is the same virus that causes
chickenpox and the nervous system disease
shingles. When this virus affects the eye, it is called
herpes zoster ophthalmicus.
The other virus that causes herpetic eye disease is called
herpes simplex type 1. Herpes simplex type 1 is the same virus
that causes cold sores on the lips and mouth. In the eye, it
usually causes an infection of the cornea. This infection is
called herpes simplex keratitis.
How Does Herpetic Eye Disease Develop?
Like many viruses, the herpes simplex 1 and varicella-zoster
viruses are present in most adults. The viruses in the herpes
family usually live around the nerve fibers in humans without
ever causing a problem. Occasionally, the viruses will start to
multiply, or they will move from one area of the body to
another, and that is when herpetic disease breaks out. This
often happens when the immune system of the body is weakened by
some other health problem.
How Is Herpetic Eye Disease Diagnosed?
The two types of herpetic eye disease have different
symptoms. One thing they have in common, however, is that they
can both be very painful because they affect the nerves
directly. The problem is likely to be herpes zoster ophthalmicus
if your doctor finds some or all of these symptoms:
- Pain in and around only one eye
- Redness,
rash, or sores on the eyelids and around the eyes,
especially on the forehead. Sometimes the rash breaks out on
the tip of the nose.
- Redness of the eye
- Swelling and cloudiness of the cornea
The problem is likely to be herpes simplex keratitis if your
doctor sees these symptoms:
- Pain in and around only one eye
- Redness, rash, or sores on the eyelids and around the
eyes, especially on the forehead. Sometimes the rash breaks
out on the tip of the nose.
- Redness of the eye
- Swelling and cloudiness of the cornea
Your doctor might want to use special tests if it looks like
herpetic eye disease might be present. The pressure inside the
eye will probably be checked, for example. There is also a
special dye called fluorescein that the doctor might put into
the eye. This dye glows under ultraviolet light and will show
the doctor if the virus is causing problems on the surface of
the eye.