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.
Next: How is herpetic eye disease diagnosed? »
- Tonometry - Get the facts on tonometry, a method for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) and detecting glaucoma. Learn how tonometry is performed and the equipment that's used during the procedure.
- Shingles - Read about shingles symptoms (contagious rash), vaccine, causes (chickenpox [varicella] virus, stress), treatment, how it's transmitted and postherpetic neuralgia.
- Herpes Simplex Infections (Cold Sores, Non-Genital) - Learn about cold sore(s) (herpes simplex infection) causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment (with OTC medication and prescription medications).
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