Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, results from the reactivation of the chicken pox virus. The condition attacks nerves, usually on one side of the body, and may move into the eye. If someone with shingles does not seek treatment, he may have permanent vision loss. Early recognition of the symptoms of eye shingles will help determine when to seek treatment to prevent damage to the eye.
Facial Symptoms
The first sign of shingles typically appears as "pain or tingling feelings on the scalp, forehead and face," reports Anthony JH Hall, MD, for the American Uveitis Society. Doctors typically diagnose shingles from a rash, but in these early stages, a rash may not appear until a few days after the pain begins. The irritation on the face does not necessarily indicate the shingles will involve the eyes, but because shingles are known to spread, eye involvement may occur.
Irritation and Redness
If shingles move to the eye, the eyelids may develop a rash and feel tender to the touch. The surface of the eye will also feel irritated, and the white of the eye may appear slightly red. Often, the eye may have increasing pain with light sensitivity. If left untreated, shingles may move into the cornea.
Corneal Ulcer
In some people, shingles in the eye will affect the cornea, the front layer of the eye, resulting in a corneal ulcer, which is "an erosion or open sore on the outer layer of the cornea," says the University of Maryland Medical Center. In most cases, a corneal ulcer will likely cause an increase in surface irritation and redness. Light sensitivity and blurry vision may occur as well. Doctors treat corneal ulcers with eye drops, and may also recommend starting a course of oral antiviral medications. If left untreated, a corneal ulcer may cause a scar that will result in a permanent change in vision.
