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Not only in the genitals, but herpes can also attack the eyes. However, the herpes virus that attacks the eye is different from the herpes virus that attacks the genitals, so herpes in the eye is not a sexually transmitted disease.
Herpes in the eye is caused by two types of herpes viruses, namely varicella-zoster virus and herpes simplex virus 1. The varicella-zoster virus is the same as the virus that causes chickenpox and herpes zoster, while the herpes simplex 1 virus is the same as the herpes virus which also attacks the mouth.
Before the two viruses infect the eye, someone should have been attacked by this virus, both in the form of chickenpox and oral herpes. Therefore, the doctor will usually ask the patient whether he has previously had the disease.
After attacking humans, these two types of herpes virus will live around nerve fibers without causing problems. This virus only causes problems and moves from one area of the body to another when the immune system decreases due to an illness, such as AIDS, or because of age.
Symptoms of Herpes in the Eye
Herpes in the eye can cause a series of symptoms in the eye. Symptoms that appear in each person can be different, depending on the type of virus. Below is a description of the symptoms of herpes simplex and herpes zoster.
Symptoms of herpes simplex in the eye (herpes simplex keratitis)
The symptoms that arise from herpes simplex keratitis are:
- Red and watery eyes.
- Pain in one eyeball and the surrounding area.
- Feeling there is dirt or "sand" inside the eyes.
- Excessive glare when seeing light.
- The cornea is swollen and cloudy.
Symptoms of herpes zoster in the eye (herpes zoster ophthalmic)
Symptoms that can arise due to infection with varicella-zoster virus in the eye are:
- A reddish rash on the eyelids, the tip of the nose, and forehead.
- Headache and fever.
- Pain in one eyeball and the surrounding area.
- The view becomes blurry.
- The cornea is cloudy and swollen.
Based on the symptoms that appear, the ophthalmologist will examine by previously dripping a special liquid dye on the eye. Then, the doctor will check the condition of the eyes using ultraviolet light.
Diagnosis of herpes in the eye
The diagnosis of herpes in the eye is generally done by an ophthalmologist. At the initial stage, the doctor will ask for your symptoms and medical history. Physical examination in the form of eye conditions and eye structure will also be carried out. Checking the eye structure will help the doctor to know the extent of corneal infection and its effect on other parts of the eyeball.
If needed, the doctor will also take a sample of fluid that comes out of the eye to be examined in the laboratory. This examination is used to determine the cause behind the eye herpes that occurs. Blood tests may also be recommended in patients who are suspected of having eye herpes due to other diseases.
Treatment of Herpes in the Eyes
Herpes is a viral infection, so the treatment is not with antibiotics, but with antiviral drugs. The ophthalmologist will give the antiviral drug tablets taken to speed healing and reduce the severity of the condition. The following are some types of drugs that are commonly given to treat herpes in the eye:
1. Antiviral drugs
Antiviral drugs are important to take regularly and following the doctor's recommendations. Don't stop using the drug without the doctor's knowledge, even though the symptoms have improved. This can cause an infection to recur.
2. Corticosteroid eye drops
When herpes in the eye has attacked the cornea, the doctor will give corticosteroid eye drops to prevent damage to the cornea. However, corticosteroid eye drops can increase the pressure inside the eyeball. While using corticosteroid eye drops, it is important to regularly see a doctor monitor the side effects of the drug. To prevent an increase in pressure in the eyeball that can cause glaucoma, doctors can give other types of eye drops, such as pilocarpine.
3. Painkillers
Keep in mind, the pain can still be felt by the patient even though the symptoms in the eye already look better. So, do not quickly conclude that treatment has failed when the pain persists. Patients are encouraged to discuss with the doctor again about complaints of pain. Doctors can provide painkillers to reduce pain in the eyes.
4. Corneal transplant
Corneal damage due to herpes can cause injury to the cornea (corneal ulcer), so it will interfere with vision, even causing blindness. If you have experienced blindness due to a corneal ulcer, the patient can only be treated with a corneal transplant. To prevent herpes in the eye, you need to maintain your immune system by eating nutritious balanced foods and getting enough rest. Especially for herpes zoster in the eye, prevention can also be done by vaccinating herpes zoster, especially for the elderly.
