Herpes Eye Infections: What is Herpes Keratitis?

Symptoms of Herpes Keratitis and Herpes Eye Infections (Ocular Herpes)

The symptoms of ocular herpes, including herpes keratitis, may include:

• pain

• redness

• rash

• blurred vision

• tearing

• discharge

• sensitivity to light

If a herpes infection is superficial, involving only the cornea’s outer layer (called the epithelium), it will usually heal without scarring. However, if herpes infects the deeper layers of cornea (which can happen after time), the infection may lead to scarring of the cornea, loss of vision, and sometimes even blindness.

Left untreated, a herpes keratitis eye infection can severely damage your vision.

Is There a Cure for Ocular Herpes (Herpes Eye Infections)?

There is no complete cure for herpes, though severe cases can be controlled with antiviral medications. Once the herpes virus enters your body, you cannot get rid of it.However, you can help prevent recurring outbreaks of herpes eye infections:

• If you have an active cold sore or blister, avoid touching your eyes.

• When herpes eye infections happen often, your doctor might place you on a preventative antiviral medication that you take by mouth.

• Steroids can increase the herpes virus in the body. You should not use steroid eye drops unless you are taking an anti-viral medicine as well.

• Stop wearing contact lenses if you keep getting infections.

• See an ophthalmologist immediately if symptoms of ocular herpes return.

Here's how herpes can damage eyesight:

·         Herpes Simplex Keratitis:

This infection of the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, is the most common way herpes damages vision. 

·         Corneal Scarring:

When the virus infects the deeper layers of the cornea, it can cause scarring, which can impair vision. 

·         Vision Loss and Blindness:

In severe cases, or when left untreated, herpes keratitis can lead to significant vision loss or even blindness. 

·         Recurrences:

Even after treatment, the virus can reactivate and cause further damage and scarring, leading to recurring vision problems. 

·         Other Ocular Complications:

Besides the cornea, herpes can also affect other parts of the eye, such as the uvea and retina, potentially leading to further vision impairment. 

In short, while mild cases of herpes eye infections might resolve without lasting effects, more severe or recurrent infections can lead to significant and even permanent vision damage.