Viruses are small organisms that invade human cells to survive and can be present in different areas of the body. Viruses present in the eye can cause infections that can occur in any part of the eye including the conjunctiva, the cornea and the retina. There are some medications available to treat some types of viral infections but often viruses and viral infections have to be allowed to run their course.
Herpes Virus
Several different viruses are part of the herpes family. These viruses are typically present in the human body; however, sometimes the viruses are not kept in check by the body's immune system leading to infections. According to the Cleveland Clinic, two of these viruses--herpes simplex virus type 1 and varicella-zoster virus--can infect the eye. Herpes simplex can cause cold sores on the mouth; in the eye, it usually causes an infection of the cornea. The varicella-zoster virus causes chicken pox but also causes shingles which can affect the eye and the eyelid skin. Both of these infections caused by the viruses in the herpes family can cause long-term damage to the eye and also may recur at a later date.
Adenovirus Family
The adenoviruses are found in the respiratory tract, the eyes, the intestines and the urinary tract. These viruses cause many of the common colds and many of the cases of viral conjunctivitis in both adults and children. According to the KidsHealth.org website, adevnoviruses can also cause keratoconjunctivitis, which is an infection involving both the conjunctiva and the cornea. This condition is more serious than conjunctivitis with light sensitivity and pain.
Cytomegalovirus
Cytomegalovirus, which is a member of the herpes family, is present in most adults and children. According to the Merck Manual, about 60 to 90 percent of people have had a cytomegalovirus infection of some type; these infections are typically very mild. However, cytomegalovirus infections are the most dangerous for infants and people who are immunocompromised such as people with HIV or who have had organ transplants. People with AIDS develop a cytomegalovirus infection of the retina that is visually devastating for these patients.
Enterovirus Family
As reported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, there are more than 60 viruses in the enterovirus family; this includes the viruses poliovirus and coxsackievirus. The coxsackievirus is very common among children and can cause a conjunctivitis and bleeding of the conjunctiva.These patients also have sore throat symptoms, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Infection is most common during the summer and early and fall.
Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a common virus that infects the eyelid and eyelid margins of children; this infection causes small bumps on the skin.This virus is very contagious but typically there are no long-term consequences to this infection. Some surgeons remove the tiny little bumps by surgical excision or by cryotherapy but generally the infection will resolve on its own.
