Herpes Simplex is a viral infection transferred from person-to-person through direct contact. The virus typically affects the skin in the area where the virus enters the body, either in the mouth or in the genital area. Ocular herpes, also referred to as herpes keratitis, occurs when the virus enters the eye. Symptoms of ocular herpes include redness, pain, blurred vision and sensitivity to light. The active virus can go into remission and reactivate at a later time. Treatment for herpes keratitis depends on the severity of the infection.
Eye Drops
Prescription eye drops containing an antiviral medication, such as trifluridine, may help decrease the symptoms of ocular herpes. The drops may cause a burning or stinging sensation when inserting the medication. If the condition does not respond to the medication within seven days, the doctor may need to re-evaluate the severity of the infection, according to Drugs.com. In addition to the antiviral drops, corticosteroid drops may help decrease the inflammation associated with the herpes infection. Common corticosteroid medications used for deep infections of the eye include atropine and scopolamine. These drops make the muscles in the eye relax and dilate the pupil of the eye, which will help decrease inflammation. Side effects of corticosteroid drops include sensitivity to sunlight and burning in the eye.
Oral Medication
Oral antiviral medications that treat the herpes virus in the body can help decrease the symptoms of an infection in the eye. A common prescription antiviral medication used to treat herpes infections is acyclovir. This medication works to slow the growth and spread of the virus so the immune system can help fight the infection, according to Drugs.com. This treatment works best when taken as soon as the symptoms of the herpes occur. Antiviral medications may cause gastrointestinal distress and a headache.
Corneal Treatments
An ophthalmologist may scrape the cornea to remove damaged cells and areas of infection for severe infections involving the eye, according to the Merck Manuals. This procedure may also help increase the healing process. The physician begins by numbing the eye with drops and uses a cotton-tipped swab to gently remove the infected cells. Severe infections that cause complications, such as scarring on the cornea or vision loss, may require a corneal transplant operation, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
