Herpes Keratitis, commonly known as Eye Herpes is an inflammation of the cornea,
the clear dome that covers the front part of the eye. Herpes
Keratitis is caused by the Herpes Simplex viruses.

Normally Herpes Simplex causes cold sores or Genital Herpes but sometimes the
virus may attack the eye as well, causing Keratitis (Keratitis
may also be caused by other viruses and illnesses). Usually
Keratitis is seen some time after a Herpes illness and tends to
take form of a reactivation of the illness, usually only in one eye.

The symptoms of Herpes Keratitis are:

• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Pain and redness of the eye
• Tearing
• Decreased vision

Eye Herpes is Mostly Harmless - You Should Still See a Doctor Though

Herpes Keratitis is often harmless and can go away on its own,
but sometimes treatment is needed. You should see your doctor for
diagnosis, advice and treatment. Herpes Keratitis is diagnosed via
a slit lamp
examination. Tinted eye drops that highlight affected areas in
the eye may also be used to assess the extent of the Keratitis
infection.

Antiviral drops or ointment may be needed to clear the virus

If the infection is severe, antiviral eyedrops or
ointment will be prescribed, Trifluridine or Vidarabine. Sometimes,
to assist the healing process, the doctor may gently swab the cornea with a soft
cotton-tipped applicator to remove infected and damaged cells.

In serious cases Keratitis may cause

• Chronic inflammation of the cornea
• Scarring of the cornea
• Development of tiny blood vessels in the eye
• Glaucoma
• Loss of vision
• Blindness

If the Keratitis infection is severe, steroids in the
form of eye drops may be prescribed to decrease inflammation and scarring.
If the cornea is scarred so much that there is loss of vision, a corneal

transplant may be required. There is rarely more than one occurrence of
Keratitis caused by Herpes in a lifetime if you are in good health.

So Who is at Risk from Eye Herpes?

There is no particular pattern to who gets Herpes Keratitis and who
doesn't. Obviously a Herpes virus has to be present in the body already,
but most people carry some kind of Herpes virus if not more than one,
often without being aware of it. The same care to prevent normal outbreaks
of Herpes Simplex should be followed:

• Get enough sleep
• Eat a well balanced diet
• Keep yourself fit.
• Aim to avoid stressful situations
• Do not touch your eye if you have a cold sore
• Be very hygienic if you wear contact lenses
• Additionally, be careful to wear sun glasses when exposed to very
  bright light, ie when skiing or out on a bright day

Related Links

• Should you see a doctor for Eye Herpes?
• What causes Eye Herpes?

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