According to the Cleveland Clinic, the two herpes viruses that can cause infections of the eye are the herpes simplex type one virus and the varicella-zoster virus. The herpes simplex virus causes herpes simplex keratitis, an infection of the cornea with symptoms that include excessive formation of tears and sensitivity to bright light. When a previous varicella-zoster virus infection, also called shingles, resurfaces in the area of the eye, the condition is called herpes zoster ophthalmicus. Symptoms include severe pain and a rash on the forehead and eyelid. Treatment for these infections involves the use of topical, oral, or intravenous antiviral medications.
Trifluridine Ophthalmic, or Viroptic
According to Drugs.com, trifluridine ophthalmic is a topical, prescription, antiviral medication that can treat eye infections caused by the herpes simplex virus. The medication is supplied in the form of eye drops that the patient places into the infected eye every two hours during the day. When the infection begins to clear up, the patient continues to use the drops four times daily for at least seven more days. The patient's doctor will decide exactly when to stop the medication. Common side effects of trifluridine ophthalmic include mild eye pain, burning, itching, or redness of the eye, blurred vision, and the sensation of pressure inside the eye.
Acyclovir, or Zovirax
Acyclovir is a prescription antiviral medication that doctors use in injectable form for the treatment of herpes zoster infections of the eye, says the Mayo Clinic. The patient's doctor will administer the drug via a slow injection into a vein. Acyclovir is most beneficial when it is given very soon after the first symptoms of the eye infection appear. Side effects may include pain, swelling, or redness at the site of injection, decreased frequency of urination, increased thirst, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, and unusual fatigue or weakness. Patients who experience any of these symptoms should consult their doctor right away.
Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
In the Nov. 1, 2002, issue of "American Family Physician," Drs. Saad Shaikh and Christopher N. Ta of the Stanford University Medical Center report that the anitviral medication valacyclovir is one of the principal treatments for herpes zoster ophthalmicus. If treatment with this medication is started within three days of the appearance of the forehead rash, it is possible to avoid ocular complications. The patient takes valacyclovir orally three times a day for seven to fourteen days. Side effects may include dizziness, headache, nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting.
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