Herpes Zoster (Shingles) is the medical term for a reactivation of the herpes virus that causes the common childhood disease, chicken pox. The virus lies dormant in nerve cells after the person recovers from the illness. Then, possibly as a response to stress, decreased body defenses, certain medicines and diseases, or for no good reason at all it is reactivated. Herpes Zoster can strike all age groups but is more common after age 50.

Zoster is seen as a skin rash and blisters (shingles) that range from small clusters of blisters to severe painful ulcers. These blisters occur on only one side of the body and are often preceded by pain in the same general location. This rash may break out anywhere, but the ones of concern to us are those on the upper part of the face and around the eyelids, which can damage the eye.

Specific changes in the eye vary from one person to another. The lids are most commonly affected with swelling and redness. Blisters can form on the eyelid edge. Severe scarring can take place during the healing phase. Conjunctivitis and red eyes are next in frequency. The cornea may have shingles on its surface and be very difficult to treat. The inside portion of the eye may become inflamed and result in high pressure, cataracts, and muscle weakness. All of these problems are evident during a complete eye examination.

Zoster may also be accompanied by slight fever and general feeling of illness. Interestingly, a person may contract chicken pox from and individual with Zoster, but the reverse is not true.

Treatment beings with identifying the portions of the eye involved. Cool compresses applied frequently throughout the day also reduce swelling and pain. Often an antibiotic &/or cortisone ointment will soothe the inflamed tissues. If the pressure in the eye is high, measures must be taken to reduce the pressure and prevent permanent damage to the vision.

High dose cortisone orally are sometimes helpful in preventing the long term pain which sometimes accompany Zoster. This is usually reserved for older age groups. Also helpful is the anti viral drugs that are taken by mouth a few times each day for two to three weeks. They seem to reduce the severity of the disease and relieve the symptoms of Zoster.

Dry eyes, deformity of the lids, and scarring inside the eye pose the most worrisome long term residual effects of Zoster. With careful management and good patient cooperation these conditions can be lessened and hopefully prevented altogether.

I HOPE THAT THIS INFORMATION IS HELPFUL FOR YOU. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT HERPES ZOSTER AS IT AFFECTS THE EYE, PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO GIVE ME A CALL.