O

ocular herpes simplex An INFECTIONof the eyes
with HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS1 (HSV-1), which causes
cold sores, or herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2),
which causes GENITAL HERPES. The virus spreads to
the eye to cause the initial infection via contami-
nation from contact with an existing herpes sore
elsewhere on the body. Ocular herpes simplex fea-
tures similar eruptions of sores on the surface of
the EYEand inside the eyelids. The sores are very
painful and can cause permanent scarring of the
CORNEA.
About half of people who have one outbreak of
ocular herpes simplex will experience a second;
about 20 percent have persistently recurring infec-
tions, ranking ocular herpes simplex as the leading
infectious cause of corneal destruction. A serious
complication of ocular herpes simplex is stromal
KERATITIS, in which the IMMUNE SYSTEMbegins to
attack the stromal cells that make up the cornea.
This leads to scarring deep within the cornea,
resulting in distortions of vision and diminished
VISUAL ACUITY.
The sores of ocular herpes simplex are charac-
teristic of the infection. The antiviral medication
acyclovir may reduce the severity of outbreaks of
the infection when taken at the first sign of symp-
toms. Some studies show that taking acyclovir for
12 months significantly reduces recurrent ocular
herpes simplex. However, there is no cure for
herpes infection. Damage that occurs as a conse-
quence of infection is permanent. Infection-
control methods, such as frequent HAND WASHING
and keeping the fingers away from the eyes, can
help prevent initial infection.
See also ANTIVIRAL MEDICATIONS; AUTOIMMUNE DIS-
ORDERS; COLD SORE; CORNEAL INJURY; CORNEAL TRANS-
PLANTATION.

ocular herpes zoster INFECTIONof the eyes with

the varicella zoster VIRUS, a member of the HERPES

SIMPLEX family of viruses that causes CHICKENPOX

and shingles. After the infectious stage of chicken-

pox subsides, the virus submerges itself in NERVE

roots. It may reemerge years to decades later,

erupting in a rash of painful blisters along a nerve

tract that hosts the virus. Ocular herpes zoster

occurs when an outbreak that affects the face,

usually along the tract of the trigeminal nerve,

spreads to the EYE. Usually the outbreak affects

only the eye on the same side of the face as the

shingles eruption, though sometimes the shingles

eruption affects both sides of the face. When this

is the case, ocular herpes zoster can affect both

eyes as well. As in other locations, the shingles

blisters in the eye cause intense PAIN.

The blisters and pain are characteristic of ocular

herpes zoster, making it possible for the doctor to

make the diagnosis based on their presentation.

Treatment typically includes ANTIVIRAL MEDICATIONS

(such as acyclovir), ophthalmic CORTICOSTEROID

MEDICATIONSto reduce INFLAMMATION, tricyclic ANTI-

DEPRESSANT MEDICATIONS to prevent postherpetic

NEURALGIA, and ANALGESIC MEDICATIONSto relieve

pain. Symptoms may take several weeks to several

months to resolve. Numerous complications are

possible that can have long-term consequences for

vision, including GLAUCOMAand CATARACT. Ocular

herpes zoster very seldom recurs, though this is a

risk for those who are immunocompromised such

as with HIV/AIDS or receiving IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE

THERAPYsuch as following ORGAN TRANSPLANTATION.

See also BLISTER; CORNEAL TRANSPLANTATION.

ophthalmic examination The basic diagnostic

procedures an ophthalmologist uses to assess the

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