WHAT IS HERPES ZOSTER?Herpes zoster, better known as shingles, is a viral disease that causes a skin condition. It is accompanied by redness and fluid-filled blisters. The blisters form scabs and can leave permanent scars.WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF HERPES ZOSTER?The Varicella Zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox, is the cause of herpes zoster. After years of remaining in a dormant state, the virus can reactivate. This usually occurs in older people or those with weakened immune systems.PHENOMENAThe first symptoms are severe pain or itching, followed by redness of the skin. Finally, one or more fluid-filled blisters appear. The distribution of the blisters follows the pattern of the affected nerve.
The pain is usually severe and accompanied by burning, throbbing, and hypersensitivity of the affected skin. The redness lasts three to six weeks, but some patients experience pain for months and sometimes years. This is called "post-herpetic pain syndrome."HOW CAN THE EYE BECOME AFFECTED BY HERPES ZOSTER?Herpes zoster usually affects the nerves around the eye, particularly those that supply sensation to the upper eyelid, the skin of the forehead, and the tip of the nose. If the virus infects the sensory nerves of the eye, it can lead to serious problems such as corneal ulcers, inflammation, and glaucoma. These symptoms can develop simultaneously with the skin symptoms, but can also occur weeks after the blisters have disappeared.
The persistent pain is caused by damage to the sensory nerves, which can remain hypersensitive for years.WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR HERPES ZOSTER?Treatment consists of pain management. Good hygiene can prevent or limit the spread of the infection.
Antiviral medications, corticosteroids, and other medications can improve symptoms in certain situations. If the eye is infected, treatment can include eye drops, eye ointment, tablets, or an IV.
Most patients recover without any residual symptoms.COMPLICATIONSSome patients, despite many medications, suffer permanent vision damage or continue to have pain after the original symptoms have disappeared. |
