What Is Eye Herpes?

Eye herpes, or HSV keratitis, is a common eye infection typically caused by type 1 herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), the same virus that causes cold sores around the mouth and lips. Eye herpes affects approximately 1.5 million people around the world each year, and is one of the most common causes of infectious blindness in the USA and Canada.

People typically contract eye herpes by touching a cold sore and then touching the eyes with their contaminated fingers. Once contracted, the virus stays in the body for life.

What are the Symptoms of Eye Herpes?

• Tearing
• Irritation and redness
• Eye sores
• Watery eye discharge
• Sensitivity to light
• Feeling of something stuck in the eye
• Blisters or rash on the eyelids
• Reduced or blurred vision

What Causes Eye Herpes Flare-Ups?

Major stressors can often lead to a bout of eye herpes. These include emotional distress, excessive sunlight exposure, fever, major surgical or dental procedures, and refractive surgery (LASIK, etc.).

Can Eye Herpes Be Prevented?

The most important thing to remember is to keep your eyes and hands clean. If you wear contact lenses, be sure to follow your eye doctor's instructions on contact lens care.

How We Can Help

While there's no cure for eye herpes, certain treatments can prevent vision loss and help control future outbreaks. Early diagnosis and treatment — ideally within a 72 hour window — can help mitigate severe eye damage.

If you're experiencing symptoms of eye herpes, call Optique Family Vision Care in Springfield to promptly schedule your eye exam.