What You Should Know About Eye Herpes

So, What Is Eye Herpes?

Eye herpes, or HSV keratitis, is a common eye infection typically caused by type 1 herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), the same virus that causes cold sores around the mouth and lips. Eye herpes affects approximately 1.5 million people around the world each year, and is one of the most common causes of infectious blindness in the USA and Canada.

People typically contract eye herpes by touching a cold sore and then touching the eyes with their contaminated fingers. Once contracted, the virus stays in the body for life.

Ocular herpes tends to infect the cornea, causing inflammation, eye redness, tearing, and — in rare cases — vision loss. If you suspect you have eye herpes, please contact Grove City Vision Center in Grove City as soon as possible to prevent further complications.

What are the Symptoms of Eye Herpes?

Various signs and symptoms are associated with eye herpes, such as: tearing, swollen lymph nodes, irritation, redness, eye sores, watery eye discharge, sensitivity to light, headache, feeling of something stuck in the eye, blisters or rash on the eyelids, and reduced or blurred vision.

What Causes Eye Herpes Flare-Ups?

Major stressors can often lead to a bout of eye herpes. These include emotional distress, excessive sunlight exposure (UV rays), fever, major surgical or dental procedures, refractive surgery (LASIK, etc.), and trauma. A weakened immune system can also put you at increased risk of a reactivation.

Can Eye Herpes Be Prevented?

The most important thing to remember is to keep your eyes and hands clean. Furthermore, it's critical that you avoid touching your eyes if you or someone around you has an outbreak. If you wear contact lenses, be sure to follow your eye doctor's instructions on contact lens care.

Have Eye Herpes? Here's How We Can Help.

While there's no cure for eye herpes, certain treatments can prevent vision loss and help control future outbreaks. Early diagnosis and treatment — ideally within a 72 hour window — can help mitigate severe eye damage and significantly improve your symptoms. Treatment typically includes antiviral medication, which can be eye drops, ointment, or oral medication.

If you're experiencing symptoms of eye herpes, call Grove City Vision Center in Grove City to promptly schedule your eye exam.