The herpes virus also affects the eyes

Different types of the herpes virus cause not only painful inflammatory processes on the lips and even chickenpox, but can also become the cause of serious eye problems. Most adults worldwide are infected with the herpes virus, but for many people no clinical symptoms may appear for a long time.

After entering the human body, herpes viruses multiply around the nerve plexuses. As soon as the immune system of a person infected with herpes weakens, the viruses begin to actively multiply and manifest in various parts of the body (on the lips, genitals, skin). In this way, the virus can also reach the eyes.

The herpes virus that manifests in the eyes is diagnosed based on specific symptoms.

• Eye pain appears only in one eye.
• The eyes turn red, and small sores may appear on the eyelids, forehead, and the tip of the nose.
• The cornea becomes cloudy.
• There is a sensation of sand in the eyes, and the eyes become sensitive to light.

To confirm the diagnosis of ocular herpes virus, the doctor may prescribe specific tests. One of them is measuring the intraocular pressure, and a special examination is also performed, during which a special dye is introduced into the eye. If the herpes virus is present, it glows under ultraviolet light.

Treatment of the herpes virus must be targeted to destroy the virus itself. For this purpose, the doctor usually prescribes antiviral eye drops or the same medication in oral tablets. If the eyes are more severely affected by the herpes virus, combined treatment — eye drops and oral tablets — may be prescribed.

If the infection affects the cornea, the doctor may prescribe hormonal treatment with corticosteroids. However, before such treatment, it is always recommended to measure the intraocular pressure.