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Ocular herpes is a viral infection that causes inflammation and scarring of the cornea. It can be contracted through close contact and symptoms include swelling, sensitivity to light, and redness. Treatment includes antiviral eye drops, debridement, and surgery in severe cases.
Also known as ocular herpes, ocular herpes is a viral infection that causes scarring and inflammation of the cornea. Although close proximity is required to pass this form of herpes to another individual, sexual contact is not necessary. There are different forms of this eye herpes, each of which requires something a little different in terms of treating eye herpes.
The cause of ocular herpes simplex is infection of the eye with the herpes simplex virus. It is possible to contract this virus through close contact with someone who is currently dealing with a herpes outbreak. Some people also become infected by touching the herpes outbreak site on a lip or elsewhere, then rubbing the eye mindlessly.
The symptoms associated with the ocular herpes virus are very noticeable and usually quite painful. There is usually some swelling around the eye itself, an unusual amount of tear production, and a feeling that there is something irritating with the eye that won’t rinse off using eye drops. Symptoms of eye herpes also include developing an unusual sensitivity to light, redness of the eyes, and possibly developing a discharge that is slightly thicker than tears. Fortunately, the outward signs of ocular herpes allow a doctor to diagnose the disorder and begin treatment quickly.
When it comes to treating eye herpes, some people find that the immune system overcomes and suppresses the viral infection. However, this does not mean the individual is cured. The virus is still present, but in a dormant state. There is always the possibility of another outbreak, especially if the individual is exhausted and the immune system is not working at peak efficiency.
If caught in the early stages, antiviral eye drops and ointments can be used to relieve symptoms and aid in recovery. Steroid drops are used in some cases, but are not always preferred by doctors, as steroids can reduce the immune system’s ability to suppress the virus. In more advanced cases, your doctor may use a process known as debridement; essentially, this involves scraping off infected cells from the cornea, then placing a patch or soft lens on the cornea to allow it to heal.
In more serious situations, eye herpes can damage the cornea. When this is the case, surgery is the only option. If the scar can’t be removed surgically, you may need to have a corneal implant to restore your vision. Doctors tend to try other means before taking this serious step, if there is any indication that the cornea can be saved and vision restored without the use of surgery.
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