Ocular herpes is a recurrent infection of the eye caused by one of eight herpes viruses that commonly infect people. According to the National Eye Institute, approximately 50,000 new or recurring cases occur each year in the United States. If left untreated, ocular herpes can cause partial loss of vision or even blindness.
Herpes Types
There are 25 known herpes viruses, but humans are most commonly affected by eight. They are herpes simplex Type 1, commonly called oral herpes; herpes simplex Type 2, commonly called genital herpes; varicella, which causes chickenpox and shingles; Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis; human herpes virus 6, which causes roseola; human herpes virus 8, which causes Kaposi's sarcoma; and cytomegalovirus.
Any herpes virus can infect the eye, but most eye infections are caused by oral herpes, genital herpes or shingles.
How Herpes Infects the Eye
You can get a herpes infection of the eye either through contact with someone experiencing an outbreak or as part of a self-infection. Once herpes infects a person, it lingers in the nerves. In the case of oral herpes, those nerves are in the face. The virus can travel to the eyes via the nerves or by touching a herpes sore, then touching the eyes.
Genital herpes can infect the facial area through touch or oral sex, and from there spread to the eyes. It can be transmitted from an infected mother to her baby during a vaginal birth.
People who have had chickenpox due to an infection with the varicella herpes virus can experience a recurrence called shingles. It is most common in older adults and people with compromised immune systems. As with other herpes viruses, it can travel to the eyes via the nerves or be transmitted by touch.
Complications of Herpes Eye Infections
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, herpes infection of the eye can lead to scarring of the cornea, which can lead to some loss of vision or even blindness. In extreme cases, a person may need a corneal transplant.
Herpes in Newborns
Oral herpes and genital herpes do not limit themselves to the areas for which they are named. Any herpes located in the genital area can be transmitted to a newborn during a vaginal birth as the baby moves through the birth canal and comes in contact with herpes sores. This can infect the baby's eyes and lead to eye problems, according to The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Precautions to Avoid Herpes Eye Infections
If you have a herpes outbreak, the American Academy of Ophthalmology advises to be careful not to touch your eyes. Even if sores are not visible, as is often the case with genital herpes, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands before touching your eyes. If you are pregnant, tell your doctor if you have herpes.
If you have herpes and notice that your eyes are red and irritated, or that you are sensitive to light or have blurred vision, call your eye doctor immediately. While there is no cure for herpes, there are eye ointments and treatments to control the outbreak and reduce damage.
