Help on Tele2, tariffs, questions

Why does herpes occur near the eye? The causes of this disease will be discussed below. We will also present the symptoms of ophthalmoherpes and medications that treat this disease.

general information

Herpes (this pathology occurs rarely on the eyelid) is a viral disease. It is characterized by a rash of blisters (grouped) on the mucous membranes and skin.

The name of the term in question is of Greek origin. Translated into Russian, it means “creeping” or “rapidly spreading skin disease.”

Description of the disease

The herpes virus does not appear in the eyes as often as, for example, on the lips, in the nasal mucosa or on the genitals. At the same time, this disease is very difficult.

In addition to the listed parts of the body, the herpes virus can infect the central nervous system, which will cause the development of meningitis and encephalitis. Internal organs are also susceptible to this disease.

Types of viruses

Herpes that appears under the eye belongs to the first type. Also, the herpes simplex virus can affect the lips, nose and other skin areas.

In the second type of this disease, the genital areas are affected.

There are also varicella zoster virus (3 types). appears on the human body. As for such a childhood disease as chickenpox, it is observed throughout the body.

Epstein-Barr virus belongs to the fourth type. It causes an infectious disease such as mononucleosis.

Cytomegalovirus is a type 5 disease.

Causes

Why does herpes occur on the eye (treatment of this disease will be presented below)? There is a lot of debate on this matter. It is not possible to name any one reason for the occurrence of such unpleasant rashes. This is because herpes can occur due to a number of different factors.

Experts say that the virus in question is present in the body of all people. Moreover, for the time being, the human immune system resists this disease. A virus that gets onto the mucous membrane of the eye spreads very rarely. This is due to the fact that the visual organs are capable of independently producing interferon, that is, proteins secreted by tissue cells in response to the invasion of harmful bacteria.

It should also be noted that the tissues of the eye are protected by so-called immunoglobulins, which are contained in the tear fluid. Herpes on the eyes, the symptoms of which will be described below, may not appear for a long time and “sleep” in the nerve ganglia.

If for one reason or another the human immune system is noticeably weakened, then the herpes virus begins to actively strengthen and manifest itself in the form of ophthalmic herpes.

Thus, we can safely note that the main and main reason for the development of the disease in question is reduced immunity. In connection with the above, the question arises: why does the human immune system fail so much? Doctors say that a decrease in the body’s defenses occurs in response to the following situations:

If one of these factors contributes to a decrease in immunity, then the herpes virus, which has been “dormant” until this moment, “wakes up” and then appears on the surface of the skin or mucous membrane in the form of grouped blisters.

It should be especially noted that this variant of the development of the disease is called endogenous. There is also an exogenous route. It is characterized by infection directly through herpetic vesicles. As you know, they contain liquid that contains viruses in high concentrations. Once on the skin or mucous membrane of the eyes, immediate infection occurs.

This path is especially typical for young children who are constantly in contact with each other.

Signs of illness

How does herpes manifest itself in the eyes? The symptoms of this disease are quite difficult to miss. Although in some cases it is confused with an allergy or a disease that is of bacterial origin (for example, conjunctivitis, blepharitis or bacterial keratitis).

It should be noted that all of the listed pathological conditions, however, like ophthalmoherpes, are accompanied by the following symptoms:

• redness of the eyelid and eye;
• photophobia;
• soreness;
• impaired visual acuity and distortion;
• lacrimation.

It should also be said that local symptoms of a viral disease can be supplemented by general ones, including headache, swollen lymph nodes, nausea and elevated body temperature.

Specific symptoms

So how to identify herpes on the eye, which should only be treated by an experienced doctor? This disease also has specific symptoms. These include the following:

• unbearable itching and burning of the skin on the eyelids, as well as around the eyes;
• the presence of fluid-filled blisters that burst and ulcerate.

Forms of ophthalmoherpes

The disease in question is distinguished by a huge number of manifestations. However, symptoms during relapses can vary quite significantly.

Experts distinguish the following forms of ocular herpes (depending on the damage to the tissues of the visual organs):

• With this disease, the conjunctiva is affected, that is, a thin film of epithelium that covers the inside of the eyelids and the eyeball. As a rule, this lesion is accompanied by redness of the entire eye.
• Keratitis. This is a disease characterized by damage to the cornea, on which viral vesicles appear.
• Blepharo-conjunctivitis. Unlike herpetic conjunctivitis, an inflammatory process is added to the damage to the conjunctiva, as well as the formation of blisters on the eyelids and along the eyelash line. Rashes can even appear on the inner surface of the eyelids. Usually this causes severe lacrimation, as well as sharp pain in the eye.
• Keratoiridocyclitis is an inflammation of the cornea, which is accompanied by damage to blood vessels in the visual organ. This form of the disease is the most severe. It is very difficult to cure. In this case, keratoiridocyclitis repeats again and again.

Diagnosis of the disease

How to cure herpes on the eye? Treatment for this disease should be prescribed by an ophthalmologist. However, the disease must first be correctly diagnosed. This is due to the fact that the symptoms of this pathological condition are very often confused with signs of other abnormalities.

To diagnose ocular herpes, the patient must consult an ophthalmologist. The doctor is required to examine the patient using a slit lamp. This study allows us to identify ulcerations and other lesions of the cornea, as well as inflammatory processes in the eye vessels.

Also, in stationary conditions, cells are scraped from the affected skin or mucous membrane. It will be further studied through

Another way to diagnose the disease in question is to detect whether a person has antibodies to the virus.

All of the above diagnostic methods are used only for damage to the blood vessels and cornea of ​​the eye. As for herpetic lesions of the mucous membrane of the visual organs and the skin of the eyelids, it is noticeable even without examination.

Herpes on the eyelids is characterized by rashes (usually multiple) in the form of small blisters filled with lymph, that is, liquid that becomes cloudy over time. These blisters are very painful and itchy. Scratching the rashes will spread them further.

Ophthalmoherpes: treatment

How should ocular herpes be treated? According to experts, the type of treatment for such a disease depends on its form. If the virus has affected only superficial tissues, then medications are used that relieve discomfort in the visual organs, as well as suppress the activity of herpes.

There are 4 types of medications on the pharmaceutical market that are used for the complex treatment of ophthalmoherpes. These include the following:

• immunomodulatory agents;
• antiviral (for example, Zovirax ointment);
• specific immunotherapy drugs (for example, herpes vaccine);
• symptomatic medications, including decongestants, painkillers, vitamins, etc.

If the virus affects the deeper tissues of the eye, the patient undergoes surgery. Types of operations such as coagulation, keratoplasty and others allow you to localize or remove the affected areas.

Antiviral agents

How to eliminate herpes on the eye? Treatment of this disease is most often carried out. For this, special forms of drugs are used that are not capable of irritating the mucous membrane of the visual organs.

To suppress the excessive activity of the herpes virus, doctors recommend using eye drops and ointments. Also, for systemic exposure, patients are often prescribed antiviral injections and tablets.

What medications are most effective in treating ophthalmoherpes? Experts highlight the following drugs:

• "Acyclovir". For eye damage, the medication in question is used in the form of oral tablets, as well as a local ointment.
• "Valacyclovir." For the treatment of ocular herpes, this drug is used in tablet form.
• Zovirax is an antiviral eye ointment that is very effective against herpes simplex viruses. After its use, the active substance of the drug is immediately absorbed by the periocular tissues and the corneal epithelium. As a result, such a concentration of the drug is formed in the intraocular fluid that is necessary for active suppression of the virus.
• “Oftan-IDU”, “Idoxuridine” - these drugs are specifically designed for the treatment of ophthalmoherpes. They are produced in the form of drops that contain an analogue of thymine. The medication in question prevents the virus from multiplying and also suppresses its activity. For best effectiveness, drops must be instilled every hour. However, with prolonged use they can cause damage to the cornea.
• "Trifluorothymidine" is a drop similar to "Oftan-IDU". However, it should be noted that they have a less toxic effect.
• "Riodoxol", "Tebrofen", "Bonafton" - all of these drugs are in the form of an ointment. They can be applied to the skin of the eyelids, and also placed inside the eye.
• "Vidarabine" is an effective gel against ophthalmoherpes. It is applied to the conjunctiva 5 times a day.

Eye drops "Ophthalmoferon": instructions

Which antiviral drug is most effective for ocular herpes? Experts say that these are Ophthalmoferon drops. Their price is about 300 rubles, so almost anyone can purchase such a product.

The medication in question contains diphenhydramine and interferon alpha-2a. It is produced in polymer dropper bottles, which are placed in cardboard packs.

Antiviral drops for lacrimation "Ophthalmoferon" have a wide spectrum of action. In addition to anti-inflammatory properties, this drug exhibits immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, local anesthetic and regenerating effects.

For what indications is the medication in question prescribed to patients? According to the instructions, it is used for:

• adenoviral, ;
• hemorrhagic, adenoviral and herpetic conjunctivitis;
• hepertic stromal keratitis without ulceration and with ulceration of the cornea;
• herpetic uveitis;
• herpetic and adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis;
• herpetic keratouveitis (without and with ulceration).

As for contraindications, this product has virtually none. These drops cannot be used only if you are individually intolerant to their components.

How should the drug "Ophthalmoferon" be used? The dosage of this topical medication should be determined by an ophthalmologist. In the acute stage, it is instilled into the affected eye, 1-2 drops up to 7-8 times a day. As soon as the inflammatory process begins to stop, the number of instillations is reduced to 2-3 times a day.

The course of treatment with this drug is determined by the doctor. As a rule, the use of the medicine is continued until the symptoms of the disease disappear completely.

Prevention of ocular herpes

The main set of preventive actions for ophthalmoherpes should be aimed at interrupting the transmission routes of the virus. Thus, a person needs to avoid close contact with the patient, not use the same dishes, towels and cosmetics with him, and also carefully observe the rules of personal hygiene in the presence of other forms of herpes.

As for pregnant women infected with genital herpes, they are prescribed special treatment, and then undergo intensive treatment of the birth canal in order to avoid infecting the baby as it passes through it.

If herpes occurs too often, then vaccination is carried out using a special anti-herpetic solution. It is also administered to the patient under close medical supervision.

To prevent the possible development of the virus, potential patients should definitely adjust their diet. In addition, during cold season they need to take multivitamins. The patient is also indicated for physical exercise and hardening procedures, which will improve immunity and therefore prevent the appearance of rashes.

Almost 90% of people have a virus such as herpes. It most often appears as a rash on the lips. Sometimes herpes is localized near the eyes, on the eyelids. Let's look at the symptoms of the disease, find out why herpes occurs on the eye, how this disease is treated in adults and children.

What is herpes?

The main symptom is the formation of a rash in the form of blisters. They often appear on the lips, but can be localized on any other part of the body.

When a person is healthy, his immune system copes with the virus, but as soon as he catches a little cold, herpes begins to attack the body. Sometimes signs of virus activation appear near the eyes, on the eyelids. How dangerous is this? Many people have encountered this disease. Some people don't even make any attempt to get rid of the signs of herpes. They often go away on their own as soon as a person recovers from a cold. However, herpes on the eye is a very dangerous disease, since if left untreated, the virus causes severe side effects and causes the development of serious ophthalmological diseases.

It is impossible to completely cure herpes. If it enters the body, which happens through airborne droplets, through contact with household objects, through food, it is no longer possible to get rid of it. The virus will remain dormant in the nerve ganglia until the person becomes ill and his immunity weakens. In this regard, therapy does not eliminate the virus itself, but its symptoms. So, why does herpes occur on the eye, how is it treated and can its occurrence be prevented? Let's take a closer look at these questions.

What causes herpes to form around the eye?

Ophthalmoherpes may not manifest itself for a long time, but remain in the so-called “dormant state”. A variety of factors can provoke its symptoms. Among them:

• hypothermia (hypothermia);
• prolonged exposure to the open sun without sunglasses;
• poor nutrition, malnutrition and disruptions in the digestive system;
• long-term use of antibiotics during illness;
• stress;
• lack of hygiene;
• eye injury;
• immunodeficiency states.

Also, ophthalmoherpes often occurs during pregnancy, as a woman experiences hormonal disruptions and the body’s protective functions are weakened.

Hormonal drugs can also activate the virus. When a person is completely healthy, he eats properly, gets enough sleep, follows the rules of hygiene, tear fluid protects the organs of vision from the spread of infection.

With a decrease in immunity, general and local, the tear fluid cannot fully perform its protective functions, so herpes develops.

How does herpes around the eye manifest?

The symptoms of ophthalmoherpes may vary depending on the type of virus. Signs of the disease depend on the form and location of herpes. If it occurs under the eye or on the eyelid, the following symptoms are observed:

• sparks and flashes before the eyes;
• severe, almost unbearable itching;
• image distortion, diplopia;
• tearfulness;
• increased sensitivity of the eyes to bright light;
• blepharospasm - uncontrolled closing of the eyelids;
• blisters on the eyelids or around the eyes.

Also, with ophthalmoherpes, swelling of the eyes and eyelids appears, they become red, painful sensations and a feeling of the presence of a foreign body in the eye occur. It can take a week from the moment of infection to the first signs of herpes.

The most obvious symptom - blisters - is observed only a day or two after other signs of the disease appear. By the presence of blisters, herpes can be distinguished from other ophthalmological diseases of an infectious and inflammatory nature.

Along with the above symptoms, there are also such general manifestations of the disease as nausea, headaches, fever, and inflammation of the lymph nodes.

Forms of herpes on the eye

There are several forms of ophthalmoherpes. The disease is classified depending on which eye tissues are affected by the virus. There are many varieties of this disease. It is important to correctly diagnose the type of herpes on the eye. Treatment depends on the form of the course.

Types of ophthalmoherpes:

• Herpetic conjunctivitis. With this disease, the patient has a veil before his eyes, his vision becomes cloudy due to the appearance of discharge from the organs of vision. Infection of the conjunctiva with the virus leads to itching, pain, burning in the eyes, and redness of the mucous membrane.
• Blepharoconjunctivitis is an eye disease characterized by the appearance of a rash on the conjunctiva and in the area of ​​the ciliary bulbs. The eyelids swell greatly, the eyes water, and the conjunctiva turns red. With this type of herpes, pus is discharged. Sometimes whole bunches of eyelashes fall out.
• Herpetic dermatitis of the eyelids. The bubbles are localized on the eyelids (mainly on the upper ones). After they burst, a crust forms on the affected area of ​​the skin. Herpetic dermatitis is accompanied by fever, headache and other general symptoms of herpes.
• Viral keratitis. This disease can be considered as a complication of ophthalmoherpes. With keratitis, the cornea is affected, the sensitivity of which decreases, tearing, photophobia, and blepharospasm occur. Bubbles form on the eyelids. Their bursting causes severe pain.
• Keratoiridocyclitis is a disease in which the choroid of the eye suffers. The pain with keratoiridocyclitis is acute. It is paroxysmal in nature. At the same time, vision is noticeably reduced.
• Herpetic ulcer of the cornea. This disease takes a very long time to be treated, but the patient may not experience severe discomfort. There is practically no pain, but vision may be distorted due to the resulting erosion.
• Acute retinal necrosis is a dangerous pathology that can result in complete blindness. It is almost painless. Necrosis is detected only during an ophthalmological examination, when the patient comes to the clinic with complaints of herpes or blurred vision.
• Postherpetic trophic keratitis, in which the cornea thickens and loses its sensitivity. Vision declines gradually, but quite strongly. Bubbles may disappear and appear again.
• Herpetic uveitis. With this disease, the vitreous body becomes cloudy, the pain syndrome is mild, and the iris changes its hue.

Herpes on the eye can take various forms and become a provoking factor for the occurrence of a variety of eye pathologies, many of which have a severe impact on vision and take a long time to treat.

Ocular herpes zoster - what is it?

Herpes zoster of the eye, also called shingles, is caused by a type of herpes virus that affects the trigeminal nerve of the eye. The disease begins to manifest itself with fever. An increase in body temperature is accompanied by headaches and general fatigue of the body. All these signs appear several days, and sometimes a week before the formation of bubbles. Other symptoms are also observed: pain in the temples, the affected eye, and in the forehead. The rash is localized on the upper eyelids, then it moves to the eyebrows and forehead. After recovery, scars may form at the site of the rash. Without treatment, visual functions deteriorate: the image doubles, the field of view narrows, lightning flashes before the eyes. In approximately ⅔ of patients, the cornea becomes inflamed. If the disease is discovered late, it will take a very long time to treat.

Herpes on the eye: how to treat the disease?

We looked at the causes, symptoms and forms of a disease such as herpes on the eye. Treatment of any form of herpes is based on stopping the reproduction of the virus. It is impossible to completely get rid of it. With the help of medications, you can eliminate the symptoms of herpes and prevent complications. The doctor prescribes antiviral drugs. In this case, tablets, eye drops and ointments are prescribed, the main active ingredient of which is acyclovir. It is necessary to smear the affected areas of the skin at least 3-4 times a day for two weeks. The tablets are taken strictly according to the prescription. The course of taking tablets is 10 days. After this you will need to take immunostimulants.

If medications do not help, the disease drags on, various structures of the eye are affected, including the cornea, retina, choroid, and an operation is performed during which the surgeon completely eliminates or localizes the source of the virus, preventing its spread.

How is eye herpes treated in a child?

Children become infected with the herpes virus quite often. They play outside, grab dirty objects, and then touch their faces and eyes with their hands. Herpes appears quickly and can resemble a common cold. You should immediately consult a doctor so that your visual functions are not affected. Herpes of the eye in a child is treated with the same drugs as in an adult. Treatment takes about 4 weeks. If therapy does not help and complications begin, surgery is prescribed - keratoplasty or one of the types of laser coagulation. However, this rarely happens.

An effective remedy for restoring vision without surgery or doctors, recommended by our readers!

The occurrence of a disease caused by damage to the eye and eyelids with herpes is a very serious problem that requires treatment at an early stage. Only timely contact with a specialist, correct medication intake and procedures will help avoid serious complications.

Herpes on the eyelids is a viral disease that affects the organs of vision. And although tear fluid is a natural barrier against the spread of infections, if certain conditions arise, viruses can infect the eyes.

Causes of infectious disease

• In a reduced level of immunity that occurs against the background of prolonged stressful situations.
• Severe hypothermia after complex infectious diseases.
• In case of eye injury.
• Complications that occur during pregnancy.
• With excessive use of drugs to increase the level of immunity.
• If personal hygiene is not observed. Using linen, dishes of the patient and during close communication with him.

The disease begins when herpes gets on the surface of the eyelids. Then the infection begins to multiply strongly, penetrates the circulatory and lymphatic systems of the eye, and from here it spreads throughout the human body. In the most complex types of the disease, herpes invades the nervous system. Here he can wait in the wings for many years. This type of disease is called endogenous.

When the sulfuric substance found in herpetic formations gets into the mucous membrane of the organs of vision, exogenous herpes occurs. This type most affects children; 80% of those affected by this type are children.

First signs of illness

The very beginning of infection is expressed by severe burning and itching in the eye. The eyelid becomes red and swollen; group or single rashes in the form of blisters are visible on it. The disease most often affects the upper eyelid. If the virus affects the branches of the trigeminal nerve or the remaining facial nerve endings, the lower eyelid may be affected, and then the entire eye.

Strong flow of tears, pain in the light, pain in the corners of the eyes - this happens only later. When sick, the eyes get tired faster, the person sees as if in a fog, the lymph nodes become inflamed and enlarged, the temperature rises, the general condition worsens, the patient feels severely unwell. This is a reaction to infection of the body with herpes.

Stages of herpes treatment

The choice of treatment method depends on the severity of the disease. In the initial stage, if the surface tissues are damaged, it will be enough to take mild painkillers to relieve itching and burning of the eye. Antibiotics are taken to treat herpes on the eyelid.

To carry out complex treatment of infection, several types of medicines are used:

• Use of antiviral drugs.
• Use of immunomodulatory drugs.
• Medicines to boost immunity.
• Medicines to relieve symptoms of the disease.
• If the deep tissues of the eye areas are affected, only surgical treatment of the infection can save. Operations are performed to eliminate damaged areas of eye tissue, or to localize foci of infection.

In addition to surgery, treatment is carried out using means that prevent the spread of the virus.

When treating the eyes, you should, first of all, take care of the safety of the eye mucosa. To treat herpes, eye drops, medicinal ointments, injections and tablets are used. Most often used:

• Take Acyclovir tablets or ointment 4-5 times a day.
• The most active antiviral agent is Valtrex. Take 2 times a day, 0.5 g.
• TFT drops that have an antiviral effect on herpes.
• Use ointments "Bonafton", "Riodoscope". They can lubricate the affected areas of the eyelid from the outside or placed inside.
• Means of boosting immunity.
• For this disease, drugs from the classes of interferons and immunoglobulins are used. This is due to the fact that when the level of immunity decreases, immunocorrection is required.

The most common immunoglobulin class drugs for the therapeutic treatment of infection are:

• — “Interlock”;
• — “Interferon - Alpha”;
• - "Reaferon".

Interferons are available as tablets or injections into the eyes. Taking certain medications allows you to achieve the best results:

• - “Poludan”;
• - "Amiksina";
• - "Timalina";
• - “Cycloferon”.

The most important advantage of this class of drugs is the absence of side effects when taken.

Vaccine against disease

This medicine is prescribed for mild and 2nd degree herpes. Vaccination can be carried out only 2 times a year, during the onset of the disease, without exacerbations. The most common vaccines are Russian and Belgian produced.

To reduce pain and spasms, use Atropine and Irifrin. For more severe forms of symptoms, treatment with antibiotic drugs is prescribed.

It is important. Antibiotics can only be taken as prescribed by the attending physician.

Injections of cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones are often prescribed. And also the most common tetracycline ointment. This type of viral disease is treated with a large number of drugs. Because of this, allergic reactions may occur. To prevent this, Suprastin and other medications of this type are prescribed. Vitamins A, C, B groups increase the level of blood supply to the eye.

Treatment with folk remedies

This type of treatment is best done in the early stages of the disease. It is used in the form of lotions and eye washes with infusions and decoctions of medicinal herbs and certain products. According to popular belief, one of the best methods for treating herpes is lotions made from squeezed garlic juice. But it is better to use the following recipes:

• 2 tablespoons of dried marshmallow flowers, pour a glass of boiling water, wrap. Then filter through a sieve and use the resulting infusion for lotions and eye rinsing.
• 1 part honey is mixed with 2 parts water. Infuse and use as eye drops.
• To relieve swelling on the eyelid, you can use dill juice as a compress.
• A lotion made from grated fresh potatoes relieves pain and burning sensation well.
• To relieve inflammation and pain, you can use rosehip infusion. You can wash your eyes with it, and apply compresses.
• And of course the famous aloe juice. 1 part juice is diluted in 10 parts water. You can use a compress or eye drops.

It is important. The use of traditional methods in treatment can help, but not cure the disease. Use as an additional treatment, but the main one is therapeutic.

Eye damage from the herpes virus is especially dangerous due to frequent relapses. Therefore, you should not allow the viral infection to spread throughout the body. By following the simplest rules of personal hygiene, using only clean utensils and stopping contact with infected people, you can prevent the disease.

Advice! For a person prone to contracting herpes, one should protect themselves from hypothermia and heat stroke. You need to follow the rules of a healthy lifestyle and not get tired. Especially in spring and winter, you should spend more time outside and eat more vitamins. If the first signs of the disease appear, you should urgently consult your doctor, who will select a balanced and correct treatment for herpes in the eyes.

By secret

• Incredible... You can cure your eyes without surgery!
• This time.
• No trips to the doctors!
• That's two.
• In less than a month!
• That's three.

Follow the link and find out how our subscribers do it!

From this article you will learn:

• ocular herpes: symptoms and causes,
• herpes on the eye - treatment, photo,
• list of effective drugs.

Primary eye infection with herpes most often occurs in early childhood. The first case of the disease is usually mild and resembles ordinary conjunctivitis (Fig. 1-3). The latter usually resolves quickly without complications and without involvement of the cornea. If the cornea is nevertheless involved, then lacrimation and photophobia are added to the redness of the conjunctiva.

In some cases, in addition to these symptoms, rashes of herpetic blisters may appear on the eyelids (Figure 4-5), i.e. vesicular blepharitis. The resulting blisters burst after a few days, leaving ulcerations that heal without scarring in about 7-10 days. In parallel with this, some “fogging” of vision is possible.

Herpes on the eyelid (blepharitis) –

Primary ocular herpes occurs precisely in early childhood - due to a gradual decrease during this period in the residual amount of antibodies to the herpes virus that were received from the mother during pregnancy. Moreover, if herpes on the eye occurs against the background of a still fairly high level of antibodies in the blood serum, the symptoms are usually mild and may be limited to conjunctivitis.

If against a background of low antibody levels, damage to the eyelids and cornea is possible. Many patients may develop repeated relapses of the disease after a primary infection. According to statistics, in 10% of patients the first relapse occurs within the first year. Unlike primary eye herpes, a chronic recurrent form of the disease can lead to significant damage to the cornea, deterioration and even loss of vision.

Herpes of the eye: causes

There are many types of herpes virus - the so-called herpevirus family. However, only 3 types of herpesviruses cause eye damage. Most often it is herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), less often – herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and herpes zoster virus (HSV-3). Herpes on the eye caused by the HSV-2 and HSV-3 viruses is much more difficult to treat.

After initial infection and recovery, the herpes virus remains in the sensory and autonomic nerve ganglia. This explains why the herpes virus primarily affects the lips, cornea of ​​the eye, oral mucosa and genitals. The fact is that it is in these tissues of the body that a large number of sensory nerve fibers are concentrated. And when immunity decreases, the virus is activated, causing a relapse of the disease.

The herpes virus can enter the cornea of ​​the eye through direct contact with a person with active clinical manifestations of herpes. In addition, you can introduce the virus yourself if you have active or herpetic stomatitis. It is enough to spit on your fingers or touch your lips with your hand, and then rub your eyes. You can even transfer herpes from the lip to the eye area by simply wiping yourself with a towel.

In children -
Herpetic eye lesions develop especially often in children. Young children constantly put their hands in their mouths and lick them. And if a child has herpes on the lip, the skin around the mouth or on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, this virus will definitely end up everywhere, including the eyes. Therefore, it is very important for young children with herpes of the lips to instill special drops into the eyes, for example, Ophthalmoferon.

Repeated outbreaks of ocular herpes –

Repeated cases of the disease usually manifest as epithelial keratitis (damage to the surface of the cornea). Epithelial keratitis is manifested by lacrimation, photophobia, and the feeling of a foreign body in the eye. But the most important diagnostic criterion is the formation of a corneal defect in the form of tree branches (which is why epithelial keratitis is often also called tree-like or serpentine). This form of keratitis usually heals without a trace in 1-2 weeks.

Herpes on the eye: photo of epithelial keratitis

In some cases, herpetic lesions may occur not only on the surface of the cornea, but also on its deeper layers (stroma), which indicates the development of stromal keratitis. The latter is divided into disc keratitis - in this case, the main diagnostic criterion will be the appearance in the cornea of ​​the eye of a disc-shaped area of ​​turbidity and swelling. With disc keratitis, there is no stromal necrosis.

The second form of stromal keratitis is necrotizing keratitis, which occurs with necrosis of the corneal stroma. Visually, areas of necrosis look like a whitish-turbid infiltrate in the corneal stroma (can occur with or without damage to the corneal epithelium). There can be only one large infiltrate, or multiple small infiltrates. The development of such necrosis is usually associated with a pathological reaction of the patient's immune system.

Complaints of patients with stromal keratitis -

• severe pain,
• blurred vision,
• sensitivity to light (photophobia),
• feeling of “sand in the eyes.”

Diagnostics -

The diagnosis is made by an ophthalmologist. As a rule, an examination using a special slit lamp is sufficient, but in controversial cases, a microbiological examination (viral culture) can sometimes be prescribed. It is very important to distinguish eye herpes caused by the herpes simplex virus types HSV-1 and HSV-2 from the HSV-3 virus that causes herpes zoster (which also affects the eyes).

Herpes on the eye: treatment and prevention

Treatment tactics will depend on whether the eye infection is primary or secondary with the herpes virus, as well as on the severity of the symptoms. Herpes on the eye - treatment in a child in the first case of the disease (provided that only symptoms of conjunctivitis are observed) - is possible with the help of the drug Oftalmoferon. Regimen – 1-2 drops 8 times a day (until the symptoms go away). If we are talking about a young child, then in parallel it can be used in the form of candles.

If, in addition to conjunctivitis, herpes occurs on the eyelid, treatment in addition to Oftalmoferon drops should include 5% cream with Acyclovir. Acyclovir cream at 5% concentration can be applied only to the eyelids and skin around the eyes. If epithelial keratitis has developed, then you need to keep in mind that only a special eye ointment with 3% Acyclovir can be applied to the lower eyelid.

With moderate clinical manifestations, the above drugs are enough to cope with new-onset ocular herpes. However, in very rare cases, newborns may have very severe clinical manifestations. In this case, an emergency consultation with an ophthalmologist and therapy with systemic antiviral drugs is needed (website).

Treatment of repeated outbreaks of herpes –

As we said above, with repeated outbreaks of ocular herpes, epithelial or stromal keratitis develops. With adequate treatment, epithelial keratitis resolves within 1-2 weeks and ends with complete healing. However, in the absence of proper treatment, in approximately 25% of patients, epithelial keratitis transforms into stromal keratitis (which in turn can lead to scarring of the cornea and sometimes even loss of vision).

1. Local treatment –

Epithelial keratitis can be easily treated with local remedies. In Europe and the USA, 2 drugs are approved for this purpose. Firstly - 0.15% Ganciclovir gel (according to the scheme - 5 times a day / i.e. every 3 hours). Secondly, a 1% solution of Trifluridine in the form of drops (according to the scheme - 9 times a day / every 2 hours after waking up). The problem is that these modern drugs are not available to Russians, because... We simply don't sell them.

Therefore, there is only one alternative - this is Acyclovir 3% eye ointment. There is an original drug - Zovirax (Great Britain) - at a price of 280 rubles per 4.5 g tube. Or, as an alternative, you can use an inexpensive Russian-made ointment (manufacturer Sintez, Kurgan) - at a price of 120 rubles per 5 g tube.

Application diagram –
Eye ointment for adults and children is placed in the lower conjunctival sac (behind the lower eyelid) - 5 times a day at intervals of 4 hours. Each time, a 10 mm strip of ointment is used for this. Treatment lasts as long as there are symptoms + another 3 days after healing.

Treatment of stromal keratitis –

For stromal keratitis, topical glucocorticoids may be prescribed. Please note that they cannot be used for epithelial keratitis! But in stromal cases they should be used in combination with antiviral agents. For example, a 1% prednisolone solution can be used. At the first stage of treatment - every 2 hours, with a subsequent increase in the interval - up to 4-8 hours. An alternative drug to prednisolone is 0.1% dexamethasone solution.

You also need to monitor intraocular pressure and, if it increases, prescribe appropriate treatment. To treat concomitant photophobia, a 1% atropine solution or a 0.25% scopolamine solution can be used (both drugs - 3 times a day). Remember that you should never use glucocorticoids without a doctor’s prescription.

2. Systemic treatment –

In some cases, either tablet forms may be prescribed - or acyclovir in the form of intravenous infusions. The effective dosage of acyclovir for children over 2 years of age and adults is 400 mg taken 5 times a day. For children under 2 years old - 200 mg 5 times a day. Valacyclovir is prescribed - 1000 mg 2 times a day. The duration of therapy in each case is 3 weeks (21 days).

Treatment of immunocompromised adults is carried out with an increased dosage of acyclovir up to 800 mg (5 times a day, for 3-4 weeks), or an intravenous form of acyclovir can be used. If the herpes virus is resistant to acyclovir/valacyclovir, famciclovir 500 mg 2 times a day can be prescribed.

Ophthalmic herpes zoster –

Herpes in the eyes can be caused not only by the herpes simplex virus (Herpes simplex, types HSV-1 and HSV-2), but also by the herpes zoster virus type HSV-3, which causes herpes zoster (synonymous with herpes zoster). When the herpes zoster virus worsens, the eyes can also be involved in the process, and herpetic eruptions occur along the 1st branch of the trigeminal nerve.

The very first symptom that appears in the prodromal stage of the disease (i.e., before the onset of herpetic eruptions) is an indication at the tip of the nose. In the acute phase of the disease, the symptoms are usually very pronounced, and also appear as rashes on the eyelids, the skin around the eyes, the skin of the forehead, and also very often on the tip of the nose. There may be very strong pain in the forehead, severe swelling of the eyelids, and photophobia.

In more than half of all cases, inflammation of all tissues of the anterior and sometimes posterior parts of the eye occurs. Eye herpes caused by Herpes Zoster can be severe and is often accompanied by scarring of the cornea. The consequences may include cataracts, glaucoma, chronic uveitis, corneal scarring, postherpetic neuralgia, etc. (all these complications impair vision).

Diagnostics -

The diagnosis is made based on the characteristic rash on the forehead, tip of the nose and eyelids, as well as on the results of an eye examination. Traces of herpes zoster in the past in the eye area can be indicated by atrophic hypopigmented lesions that have arisen at the site of past herpetic eruptions on the forehead. Herpetic lesions of the forehead and skin around the eyes, which have not yet spread to the eyeball, indicate a high risk and require urgent consultation with an ophthalmologist.

Treatment -

The basis of treatment for ophthalmic herpes zoster is tableted antiviral drugs (acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir). In some cases, it is advisable to use local glucocorticoids, for example, 1% prednisolone solution or 0.1% dexamethasone solution.

Treatment with acyclovir in children over 2 years of age and adults should be carried out according to the regimen - 800 mg orally 5 times a day (for 7-10 days). Use in adults: famciclovir - 500 mg 3 times a day (7 days in total), valacyclovir - 1000 mg 3 times a day (7 days in total). It has been noted that the pain syndrome is significantly less when using valciclovir and famciclovir, but these drugs will be much more expensive.

In patients with a weakened immune system or neurological complications requiring hospitalization, intravenous acyclovir is usually used at a rate of 10 mg/kg body weight, infusion every 8 hours (for 7-10 days). If there is no effect of treatment with acyclovir in such patients, Foscarnet is used at the rate of 40 mg/kg, every 8 hours until all lesions are healed.

Prevention of herpes –

• try not to come into contact with people who have active herpetic rashes,
• strengthen your immunity,
• wash your hands regularly,
• if you have herpes on your lip, wash your towels regularly, and also change your pillowcase after each use (especially in children), otherwise there is a high risk of herpes spreading from the lip to the eye area,
• when a herpetic form of stomatitis occurs in children, it is advisable to prophylactically instill Oftalmoferon into the eyes (since they very often lick their fingers and then rub their eyes with them),
• do not use any personal belongings of a person with herpes,
• Use sunscreen on your face and lip balm containing zinc oxide if you plan to be in the sun for long periods of time.

For patients with severe, recurrent outbreaks of herpes, vaccination may be an option. The Russian vaccine “Vitagerpavak” is intended for the prevention of herpes types 1 and 2. This is a new vaccine, and it is still difficult to say for sure the degree of its effectiveness, but for patients with frequent outbreaks, we would recommend it as one of the preventative options. We hope that our article: Herpes on the eye photo, treatment and symptoms was useful to you!

Sources:

1. National Library of Medicine (USA),
2. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (USA),
3. “Ophthalmology: a textbook for universities” (Egorova E.A.),
4. “Herpetic keratitis” (Kopaeva V.G.)
5. “Modern aspects of the treatment of herpes viral keratitis” (Kasparov A.).

Ophthalmoherpes is damage to the cornea, eyeball and adjacent areas by herpetic infection. The causative agents of the virus remain for a long time in the tear ducts after treatment and often provoke repeated outbreaks of herpes in the eyes. The disease causes vision impairment. When ophthalmic herpes occurs by gravity, deep organs are damaged, which leads to surgical intervention or disability.

Ophthalmologists have adopted the following classification of ophthalmoherpes.

By pathogenesis:

• primary;
• recurrent.

Clinical and anatomical:

1. Anterior section:
   • surface forms;
   • deep forms.
2. Posterior section.

Causes of herpes in the eyes

The main causative agents of herpetic eye infections are:

1. HSV type 1 (provoker of colds on the lips).
2. HSV type 2 (causes genital herpes).
3. VZV type 3 (varicella and herpes zoster virus).

Less likely to provoke pathology:

1. HSV type 5 (cytomegalovirus that affects internal organs: kidneys, liver, lungs, heart).
2. HSV type 6 (accompanies roseola infantum).

The pathogenesis of the virus is represented by the introduction of its DNA into the cells of the body, where macroparticles of the pathogen multiply. The organs of vision are equipped with a good secretory function, which provides the lacrimal canal and epithelium with antibodies. But their effect weakens due to a general decrease in immunity. Ocular herpes enters through the outer layers and affects the cornea, leaving erosions. At this point, the active phase subsides, and herpes cells enter a latent existence in the lymph nodes and dermis.

There is also a congenital pathology of viral eye disease. Recurrence of the pathology in a pregnant woman is fraught with the transmission of the HSV virus to the fetus in the prenatal period.

Factors contributing to ophthalmoherpes include:

• pregnancy, taking cytotoxic drugs, antibiotics, drugs that suppress the immune system;
• weakened body defense;
• active form of cold herpes, when the virus can be transmitted to the eyes through saliva;
• damage to the purulent vesicle due to herpes and contact of the contents with the mucous membrane of the eye;
• household form of infection through a towel, ophthalmic drops, glasses;
• overheating in the sun;
• hypothermia;
• vaccinations (one of the causes of childhood ophthalmoherpes);
• stress;
• impaired or unbalanced nutrition.

At-risk groups

The herpes virus is present in an inactive state in the body of 90% of the population; potentially, every person can experience ophthalmoherpes. High probability of infection in:

• pregnant women carriers of genital herpes;
• newborns;
• preschool children;
• people who have undergone organ transplantation;
• men, women, children with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of ophthalmoherpes

General manifestations of the herpes virus in the eyes:

• redness and itching in the affected areas of the eye (photo);
• corneal sensitivity;
• swelling of damaged tissues;
• conjunctivitis and blepharitis in chronic form;
• violation of the structure of the integument; erosive damage to the ocular mucosa;
• rashes, blisters and sores around the organs of vision;
• seals on the upper and lower eyelids;
• blurred vision;
• blurred, distorted perception of objects.

The listed symptoms are accompanied by photophobia, dry eyes, frequent blinking, sometimes fever and depressed health.

Clinical forms are represented by pathology of the anterior and posterior sections. The anterior section is affected by superficial and deep changes.

Damage to the primary layers includes:

• inflammation of the conjunctiva and eyelids;
• damage to the corneal layer (keratitis) with blistering, merging of ulcers, deformation of the edges of damage to the cornea;
• erosive manifestations;
• inflammatory processes in the connective tissue of the sclera.

Profound changes are diagnosed:

• metaherpetic keratitis with a wide area of ​​corneal damage;
• deep keratitis with opacities in the cornea, changes, swelling and accumulation of fluid in the corneal layer.

In the posterior part, changes appear in the retina, optic nerve, and vascular layers. These include:

• retinochoroiditis - focal white formation in the retina;
• uveitis – inflammation of the vascular layer;
• neuritis – irritation of the optic nerve;
• acute necrosis - death of the retina;
• ischemic retinopathy - stagnation of blood in the eye.

Which doctor should I contact?

Herpes with superficial manifestations can easily be confused with allergies or conjunctivitis. Only an ophthalmologist will be able to conduct a routine examination and confirm or refute the viral nature of the pathology.

Diagnosis of ocular herpes

The choice of diagnosing the disease is determined by the course of the disease and symptoms:

1. Fluorescent antibody method according to Kasparov. MFA is based on the injection of serum with antibodies into the conjunctiva. An increase in the glow of the solution's antibodies is characterized by the degree of herpes infection.
2. Biomicroscopy. Allows you to see keratitis damage to the corneal layer, blistering formations turning into erosion.
3. Non-contact tonometry. It is a measurement of intraocular pressure, an increase in which is characteristic of the posterior type of herpetic lesion.
4. Ultrasound. Used for pathology of the posterior region of the eye, it allows identifying vascular changes and lens opacities.
5. Ophthalmoscopy. It is carried out when examining the fundus of the eye for changes in the shape of the retina and the occurrence of swelling of the cornea.
6. Visometry or visual acuity testing. The classic way to detect changes in visual abilities is carried out when the optic nerve is affected by herpes.
7. Gonioscopy. The goal is to measure the cornea-iris, the presence of inflammation, foreign bodies and neoplasms in ophthalmic herpes.
8. Blood test for lymphocytes to prescribe treatment.
9. Linked immunosorbent assay. An increase in type M immunoglobulins in the blood indicates a viral disease.
10. PCR method through a smear from the mucous membrane of the eye.

Treatment for herpetic eye lesions

Procedures to eliminate ophthalmoherpes are dictated by diagnostic results. If the anterior zone of the visual organ and surrounding areas are affected, then a complex of drugs is used. Posterior eye pathology may require surgery along with medications.

Drug therapy

Treatment includes:

1. Antispasmodics and decongestants.
2. Immunomodulators.
3. Antiviral drugs.
4. Vaccination against herpes virus.

Immunomodulatory drugs are aimed at increasing the body's resistance to viruses. These include interferon inducers (Amiksin, Cycloferon) and immunoglobulins (Interlock). Amiksin (price from 600 rubles) and Cycloferon are prescribed in tablets and injections; they have a minimum number of contraindications. Interlock for eyes comes in drops. It restores the cell membrane and builds protection against the virus.

Antiviral agents for external use are creams, ointments and drops. Ointment (price from 20 to 100 rubles) is recommended with a 3% content of active substance, which is safe if it comes into contact with the mucous membrane. Fenistil Pencivir cream copes better with relapses, unlike Acyclovir, and is strictly applied to the eyelid. Oftalmoferon drops are prescribed in combination with ointments to prevent damage to the corneal layer of the eye. Viferon is prescribed to children.

Trifluorothymidine drops are safe and non-toxic. Ophthalmologists recommend them for their gentle and targeted action. Apply every hour, but in dosage due to possible damage to the retina. The price is within 300 rubles.

The tablet form of antiviral drugs is represented by Valtrex, Valvir, Zovirax (price about 500 rubles). Valvir is used to treat childhood herpes.

If necessary, symptomatic medications are added to the main treatment.

1. Painkillers are based on lidocaine, novocaine, atropine and reduce the unpleasant symptoms of herpes: burning, itching, pain, and also suppress swelling.
2. In case of acute damage with a possible bacterial nature, antibiotics are used.
3. Necrosis of tissue of the visual organ is treated with glucocorticosteroids, which are responsible for the regeneration of the epithelium.
4. Ocular herpes, accompanied by intraocular pressure, is treated with antihypertensive medications.
5. An integrated approach requires excluding possible allergies, so antihistamines Suprastin, Tavegil, Zyrtec are added.

Vaccination is carried out in the absence of complicated herpes 2 times a year.

How to get rid of eye herpes using folk remedies?

Traditional medicine recipes can be combined either in combination with drug therapy or independently.

Effective infusions for the eyes:

1. From lungwort. 2 tbsp. l. herbs are brewed in 500 ml of boiling water and left for 2 hours. The resulting infusion is used to wash the eyes for 2 weeks.
2. From arnica. Take 1 arnica inflorescence per glass of boiling water and brew for 2 hours. Make compresses from the resulting product and wash the eyes every 2 hours.

To increase overall immunity, drink chamomile and rosehip teas, add honey and lemon.

In addition to medicinal treatments, physiotherapy in the form of UHF is used to heal sores.

Complications of ophthalmic herpes

The following factors can aggravate the course of the disease:

• mistaking pathology for another disease, for example, conjunctivitis;
• refusal of examination and cytological tests;
• incorrect diagnosis;
• incorrectly formulated treatment.

This provokes the transition of eye herpes into a chronic form, which is dangerous:

1. Deterioration of vigilance and clarity of vision.
2. Decreased organ acuity.
3. Periodic pain in the eye area.
4. Chronic dry eye syndrome.

Acute lesions of the vascular layers and optic nerve with herpes can develop cataracts and glaucoma. Cases of complete loss of vision and disability are common.

Congenital herpetic infection causes exudation into the fundus and vitreous body. Affecting the blood vessels provokes perivasculitis. The neonatal period is accompanied by conjunctivitis, developing into neuritis and necrosis of the layers of the eye.

Prevention

Basic measures to prevent the appearance of ocular herpes:

• avoid contact with an infected person or affected areas of the body;
• treatment of the birth canal of a woman in labor who is a carrier of genital herpes;
• applying antiviral ointment to the eyes of a newborn if there is no information about the health status of the pregnant woman;
• taking immunomodulators and multivitamins;
• vaccination for secondary diseases;
• hardening procedure and physical education.