ANSWERS: 1
  • Ocular herpes are caused by an infection of the eye with one of the human herpes viruses, most often herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), the cold-sore virus. Treatment can combat the effects of this virus.

    Antivirals

    The cornerstone of treatment to limit the viral infection is either antiviral eye drops or pills (or sometimes both) given over the course of two or three weeks, according to Deborah Pavan Langston, a doctor at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary at Harvard Medical School.

    Eye Drops

    Eye drops, along with the use of a special contact lens, may be given to lubricate the eye during ocular herpes, according to Langston.

    Steroids

    Herpes is an inflammatory condition, meaning that it leads to swelling and irritation, and steroids may be given to limit this effect, Langston says.

    Complications

    People who have had at least one outbreak of ocular herpes are likely to have another, since the virus cannot be cured. This can lead to scarring of the cornea, which in turn can lead to blindness, according to the National Eye Institute.

    Surgery

    When blindness occurs as a result of damage to the cornea, a corneal transplant may be necessary, according to Langston.

    Source:

    Digital Journal of Ophthalmology: Herpes Simplex Virus in the Eye

    National Eye Institute: Ocular Herpes

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