Herpes of the Eye (cont.)
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.
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.
Next: How is herpes simplex keratitis treated? »
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