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Recognize the Symptoms of Herpes in the Eye and Its Treatment

Not only in the genitals, herpes can also attack the eyes. However, the herpes virus that attacks the eye is different from the genital herpes virus, so herpes in the eye is not a sexually transmitted disease. Herpes disease in the eye is caused by two types of herpes virus, namely varicella-zoster virus and herpes simplex virus 1. Varicella-zoster virus is the same as the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles, while the herpes simplex 1 virus is the same as the herpes virus which also attacks the mouth. Before these two viruses infect the eye, someone should have been stricken with this virus, both in the form of chicken pox and cold sores. Therefore, the doctor will usually ask the patient if he had previously suffered from the disease. After attacking humans, these two types of herpes virus will live around nerve fibers without causing problems. This virus only causes problems and moves from one area of ​​the body to another when the immune system declines due to an illness, such as AIDS, or due to aging.

Symptoms of Herpes in the Eye

Herpes in the eye can cause a series of symptoms in the eye. Symptoms that appear on each person can be different, depending on the type of virus. Below is a description of the symptoms of shingles simplex and shingles.

Symptoms of herpes simplex in the eye (herpes simplex keratitis)

Symptoms that arise due to herpes simplex keratitis are:
  • Red and watery eyes.
  • Pain in one eye and the surrounding area.
  • Feeling there is dirt or "sand" in the eyes.
  • Excessive glare when looking at light.
  • Swollen and cloudy corneas.

Symptoms of shingles in the eye (herpes zoster ophthalmic)

Symptoms that can occur due to varicella-zoster virus infection in the eye are:
  • Reddish rashes on the eyelids, nose, and forehead.
  • Headache and fever.
  • Pain in one eye and the surrounding area.
  • The vision becomes blurry.
  • Corneas of the eye are cloudy and swollen.
Based on the symptoms that emerge, the eye specialist will conduct an examination by dripping a special coloring liquid into the eye. Then, the doctor will examine the condition of the eye using ultraviolet light.

Herpes Treatment in the Eye

Herpes is a viral infection, so the treatment is not with antibiotics, but with antiviral drugs. The ophthalmologist will give antiviral tablets taken by medicine to speed healing and reduce the severity of the condition. The following are some common types of drugs given to treat herpes in the eyes:

1. Antiviral medication

Antiviral drugs are important to take regularly and in accordance with doctor's recommendations. Do not stop using the drug without the knowledge of the doctor, even though the symptoms have improved. This can cause an infection to recur.

2. Corticosteroid eye drops

When herpes in the eye has invaded the cornea, the doctor will give corticosteroid eye drops to prevent corneal damage. However, eye drops containing corticosteroids can increase pressure inside the eyeball. When using corticosteroid eye drops, it is important to see a doctor regularly to monitor the side effects of the drug. To prevent an increase in pressure in the eyeball that can cause glaucoma, doctors can give other types of eye drops, such as pilocarpine.

3. Pain relievers

Keep in mind, pain can still be felt by patients even though the symptoms in the eye already look better. So, don't jump to conclusions that treatment has failed when pain persists. Patients are encouraged to discuss with the doctor again about complaints of pain. Doctors can give pain relievers to reduce pain in the eye.

4. Corneal transplantation

Corneal damage due to herpes can cause sores in the cornea of ​​the eye (corneal ulcer), so that it will interfere with vision, even causing blindness. If you already experience blindness due to corneal ulcer, the patient can only be treated with a corneal transplant. To prevent herpes in the eyes, you need to maintain endurance by eating nutritiously balanced foods and getting enough rest. Especially for shingles in the eye, prevention can also be done by shingles vaccination, especially for the elderly.

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