Herpes of the Eye (cont.)
How Is Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus Treated?
Because herpes is a virus, antibiotics such as penicillin are
not an effective treatment. The only drugs that will work
against herpes infections are antiviral medications.
Depending on how serious the herpes zoster ophthalmicus is
and what part of the eye is affected, your doctor will recommend
antiviral eye drops, pills, or both. No matter what kind of
medication is recommended, it is important to keep using the
medicine for as long as your doctor recommends. Even though the
eye might start to look or feel better, the infection could come
back if you stop taking your medicine too soon.
If the infection is affecting the cornea, another kind of eye
drops called corticosteroids might also be recommended.
Corticosteroids will help control the disease, but they can also
raise the pressure in the eyes of some people. If
corticosteroids are being used, it is important for the patient
to come back to the doctor's office so the pressure can be
checked.
Another type of eye drop might also be prescribed to keep the
pupil dilated. This will help the eye's natural fluids flow,
which prevents the pressure from increasing.
Unfortunately, herpetic eye disease can be painful even after
several days of treatment when the eye is starting to look
better. This can be discouraging, but it does not mean that the
treatment is a failure. The medications are working, and the
pain will go away eventually.
How Is Herpes Simplex Keratitis Treated?
The same types of eye drops and pills that are used to treat
herpes zoster ophthalmicus are prescribed to treat herpes
simplex keratitis. It is also just as important to use the
medications as recommended and to keep all appointments with
your doctor.
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute.
Edited by
Charlotte E. Grayson, MD, WebMD, October 2005.
Last Editorial Review: 6/21/2005
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