Viral encephalitis is a medical condition characterized by severe brain inflammation caused by a virus. A number of viral infections, such as herpes simplex virus, measles, Epstein-Barr virus and varicella zoster virus, can cause brain inflammation, according to the Better Health Channel. Eye complications with viral encephalitis are limited, but those affected should discuss these symptoms with a medical professional.
Photophobia
Patients with viral encephalitis may develop photophobia, or increased eye sensitivity to light, as a complication of this infection, PDRhealth reports. Photophobia may cause affected patients to refrain from venturing outdoors or turning on lights in their bedrooms or homes. When exposed to light, patients with this eye complication may reflexively cover or shield their eyes or may complain that their eyes hurt. Additionally, photophobia may exacerbate alternate viral encephalitis symptoms, such as headache.
Double or Blurred Vision
Swelling of the brain can interfere with the normal transmission of nerve signals along the optic or eye nerve. Consequently, patients with this infection may experience vision alterations, such as blurred or double vision, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke explains. These vision changes may cause affected patients to appear confused, disoriented or unstable while standing or walking around.
Additional Complications
This viral infection of the brain can cause a number of additional complications in infected patients within 2 to 14 days following exposure to the infection, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Mild viral infections typically elicit flu-like symptoms such as fever, joint pain, lethargy, headache or irritability. More severe forms of infection may induce seizures, partial paralysis, vomiting, memory loss, personality changes, speech or hearing problems, loss of consciousness or coma. These viral encephalitis complications can be life threatening and those affected require immediate medical attention.
