The herpes simplex virus can infect the eye, resulting in a condition called ocular herpes or herpes keratitis. The herpes virus has two types. One infects the area of the mouth--causing a cold sore---and the other infecting the genital area. Both types can spread to the eye and cause the infection to create symptoms in the eye. Although each type of herpes virus can spread, the virus spreads from the mouth most often, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Symptoms of ocular herpes are similar to the symptoms of pink eye or conjunctivitis. The symptoms may occur in one or both eyes, depending on the location of the virus.
Redness
The white portion of the eye, called the sclera, and the conjunctiva---the lining of the eyelids and sclera---become inflamed and reddened. The redness mimics a pink eye infection, according to the Merck Manual of Medical Information.
Watering
The eye begins to water and tear up frequently when infected with the herpes keratitis infection. The tears are clear and might drain from the eye.
Irritation and Pain
The herpes infection in the eye causes irritation in the eye. The individual may feel like a foreign object is in the eye, especially when opening or closing the eyelid. They infection may also cause pain or a stinging sensation.
Sensitivity to Light
The eye might become sensitive to light. Bright lights, especially sunlight, cause tearing and pain to the affected eye. Wearing sunglasses and staying indoors with low lighting may decrease the sensitivity.
Blurred Vision
The vision may become blurred. This occurs from swelling to the cornea---the clear area at the front of the eye.
Ulcers
Ulcers may occur on the eye from the herpes virus. The more often the infection recurs, the more common it is for ulcer formation. The ulcers appear on the surface of the cornea or on deeper layers of the cornea. If the infection involves the deeper tissue, scarring might occur to the eye. The deeper ulcers occur with repeat infections or untreated infections. The scaring may lead to decreased vision or blindness in the affected eye, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
