What is herpes zoster ophthalmicus?
Herpes zoster infection, often known as shingles, is a common viral infection that occurs when the chickenpox virus (varicella zoster) reactivates later in life.
When the herpes zoster infection affects a nerve in the face called the ophthalmic nerve, it is called herpes zoster ophthalmicus, or ophthalmic shingles.
People who have previously had chickenpox are at risk of developing herpes zoster ophthalmicus. It most commonly affects older people and people with a weakened immune system.
The typical symptoms of ophthalmic shingles are:
Painful, blistering rash over the face and eye- Eye pain and redness on the same side as the rash.
If you are concerned that you may have this condition, try using the Ada app to find out more about your symptoms.
Ophthalmic shingles is typically treated using antiviral medications, which may need to be given through a drip (intravenously) if symptoms are severe.
If not treated adequately and quickly, herpes zoster ophthalmicus can cause permanent vision problems, such as:
Glaucoma
Cataracts
Blindness
It is important to see a doctor without delay if the symptoms of herpes zoster ophthalmicus appear .
Symptoms of herpes zoster ophthalmicus
Ophthalmic shingles often begins with a tingling, burning pain over the eye, forehead, temple and nose. This is followed up to a week later by a blistering rash:
The rash is vesicular; vesicles are small, blister-like sacs that appear on the surface of the skin
The skin around the vesicular rash becomes red
The rash is generally confined to one side of the face. In people with weakened immune systems, the rash may be more widespread
The rash blisters burst and scab over, usually seven to 10 days after first appearing
The rash generally goes away after two to four weeks
Good to know: People with this condition are contagious until the rash has scabbed over.
As well as the rash, people with herpes zoster ophthalmicus often develop:
A painful, watering eye on the same side as the rash
Swelling around the eye
In some cases, ocular problems
People with shingles may also experience:
Headache
Fever
Chills
Loss of appetite
Herpes zoster infection, often known as shingles, is a common viral infection that occurs when the chickenpox virus (varicella zoster) reactivates later in life.
When the herpes zoster infection affects a nerve in the face called the ophthalmic nerve, it is called herpes zoster ophthalmicus, or ophthalmic shingles.
People who have previously had chickenpox are at risk of developing herpes zoster ophthalmicus. It most commonly affects older people and people with a weakened immune system.
The typical symptoms of ophthalmic shingles are:
Painful, blistering rash over the face and eye- Eye pain and redness on the same side as the rash.
If you are concerned that you may have this condition, try using the Ada app to find out more about your symptoms.
Ophthalmic shingles is typically treated using antiviral medications, which may need to be given through a drip (intravenously) if symptoms are severe.
If not treated adequately and quickly, herpes zoster ophthalmicus can cause permanent vision problems, such as:
Glaucoma
Cataracts
Blindness
It is important to see a doctor without delay if the symptoms of herpes zoster ophthalmicus appear .
Symptoms of herpes zoster ophthalmicus
Ophthalmic shingles often begins with a tingling, burning pain over the eye, forehead, temple and nose. This is followed up to a week later by a blistering rash:
The rash is vesicular; vesicles are small, blister-like sacs that appear on the surface of the skin
The skin around the vesicular rash becomes red
The rash is generally confined to one side of the face. In people with weakened immune systems, the rash may be more widespread
The rash blisters burst and scab over, usually seven to 10 days after first appearing
The rash generally goes away after two to four weeks
Good to know: People with this condition are contagious until the rash has scabbed over.
As well as the rash, people with herpes zoster ophthalmicus often develop:
A painful, watering eye on the same side as the rash
Swelling around the eye
In some cases, ocular problems
People with shingles may also experience:
Headache
Fever
Chills
Loss of appetite
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