Ocular herpes is a viral infection that stems from the same virus that causes cold sores. This condition typically occurs in only one eye and involves the cornea, the clear outer covering of the front of your eye. Symptoms may include redness, light sensitivity, discomfort and vision changes. You may also notice a cloudy area on the cornea, indicating the location of the infection. Vitamins cannot treat ocular herpes, but certain nutrients may help protect your corneal tissue.
Vitamin A
In addition to the many roles of vitamin A, such as promoting a healthy immune system and aiding in proper growth and development, this nutrient also plays an important part in the health of your eye. A deficiency in vitamin A could damage the cells of the cornea, explains the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. These corneal changes can result in scarring and other damage to the corneal surface, which could make fighting an ocular herpes outbreak more difficult.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant nutrient that helps your immune system and metabolic process. In a study conducted on rats, researchers found that vitamin E may help protect your cornea from damage related to a vitamin A deficiency, explains Azusa Fujikawa et al. of Nagasaki University. If you have a risk for vitamin A deficiency and have a history of ocular herpes, your doctor may recommend that you take a daily vitamin E supplement.
Recommended Intake
The average adult requires between 700 and 900 International Units of vitamin A each day, but this may vary from person to person. The recommended intake of vitamin E is 15 International Units each day. Your doctor can help you determine the appropriate amount you need each day.
Treatment
If you have a flare-up of ocular herpes, you should contact your doctor immediately. She may prescribe an eye drop that can help treat the infection and reduce your symptoms. In some cases, particularly if the infection lingers or recurs, your doctor may wipe the affected area of your cornea with a cotton swab to remove infected cells. Severe cases of ocular herpes may require additional treatments, such as steroid eye drops to reduce the risk of corneal scarring.
Considerations
Contact your doctor if you have symptoms of ocular herpes. You should not use vitamins or any other alternative treatments without consulting your doctor. Your doctor can help you determine the best medical treatment and work with you in finding a diet plan or supplement that provides you with the necessary vitamin A, vitamin E and other nutrients you need for optimal eye health.
References
- University of Illinois at Chicago: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences: Ocular Herpes Simplex
- PubMed: Vitamin E Prevents Changes in the Cornea and Conjunctiva Due to Vitamin A Deficiency
- Oregon State University: Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin A
- National Eye Institute: Facts About the Cornea and Corneal Disease: Ocular Herpes
- Office of Dietary Supplements: National Institutes of Health: Vitamin E
