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What is Herpes Simplex?
Herpes Simplex is a virus that infects the skin, mucous membranes and
nerves. There are two major types of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV).
Type I is the most common and is responsible for eye disease and the
familiar ãcold soreä or ãfever blisterä. Type II is responsible for
sexually transmitted herpes and rarely causes infection above the
waist.
An
original infection with herpes simplex type I (HSV type I) occurs in
90 percent of the population, usually during childhood or
adolescence. The infection, sometimes only a mild sore mouth or
throat, comes from close personal contact with and infected person and
usually passes without notice.
After the original infection the virus goes into a quiet or dormant
period, living in nerve cells that supply the skin or the eye.
Occasionally the virus reactivates and causes a recurrent ãcold soreä
or ãfever blister.ä
What is Herpes Simplex Eye Disease?
The
most common herpes simplex eye disease caused by HSV I is a recurrent
infection of the cornea, the clear, front window of the eye. This can
potentially threaten sight. The infection varies in duration,
severity and response to treatment, depending in part on which of
several strains of HSV I caused the original infection. It can be
considered a ãcold soreä or fever blisterä of the eye.
The
disease usually begins on the surface of the cornea. The eye turns
red, is uncomfortable and sensitive to light. For most people this
will be the only episode. Unfortunately, one out of four people who
have a corneal infection is likely to have a recurrence within tow
years.
The
process may go deeper into the cornea and cause permanent scarring or
inflammation inside the eye. Chronic ulcers, which are sometime very
difficult to heal, may also develop on the cornea.
Herpes simplex eye disease usually occurs only in one eye and rarely
spreads to the other eye. Spreading the infection to another person
is unlikely. In people with poor immunity, the herpes simplex virus
may infect other parts of the eye or body, such as the retina and
brain. Fortunately this occurs infrequently.
It is
important to remember that herpes simplex eye disease is not usually
cause by HSV type II, the sexually transmitted form of herpes. While
possible, sexual transmission of herpes eye disease is extremely rare.
How is Herpes Simplex Eye Disease Treated?
Treatment depends on the extent of the disease. Antiviral eye
medications are commonly used and may need to be applied as frequently
as one drop per hour. At times, it may be necessary to scrape the
surface of the cornea, to patch the eye, or to use a variety of
medications. In cases of severe scarring and vision loss, a corneal
transplant may be required.
It is
VERY important to consult and ophthalmologist before beginning any
treatment since some medications may make this disease worse.
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