Understanding Herpes Keratitis: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments

Herpes Keratitis is one of the most common causes of corneal blindness in the US.

It is an eye condition that leads to inflammation of the outer covering of the eyes called cornea.

But the good news is that vision loss due to Herpes Keratitis can be prevented with proper medical care.

It is important to learn about this serious eye infection in detail to seek the appropriate treatment.

Let us proceed with this article to learn about Herpes Keratitis, its symptoms, causes, and treatments.

Symptoms of Herpes Keratitis

Initially, Herpes Keratitis symptoms may be unobservable or mild.

However, as the virus spreads, you may observe common eye infection symptoms such as:

• Red eyes
• Rash
• Watery eyes
• Blurry vision
• Eye Pain
• Eye discharge
• Sensitivity to light

Besides these symptoms, many other symptoms may show in the body, such as:

• Blisters
• Fever
• Body ache
• Sore throat

If the infection enters into the deeper layers of the cornea, it may lead to corneal scarring and loss of vision.

Therefore, timely treatment of Herpes Keratitis is necessary.

Cause of Herpes Keratitis

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Herpes Keratitis is a type of Keratitis caused by Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV).

Generally, eye infections due to HSV occur after other parts of the body (such as the mouth or lips) are already affected by the virus. 

HSV is a double-stranded virus that can easily spread through direct physical contact.

After the first contact, HSV remains in the body in an inactive state.

It may become active again due to triggers such as eye injuries, exposure to UV light, or weakened immune systems.

Upon entering the eye, it can cause severe damage to the cornea, potentially leading to corneal decompensation.

Therefore, it is important to seek Herpes Keratitis treatment from a licensed ophthalmologist.

Herpes Keratitis Treatment

There is no effective cure for Herpes Keratitis.

However, there are several treatment options, including medications that can help limit the infection and relieve certain symptoms.

Ophthalmologists generally prescribe antiviral medicines for the treatment of Herpetic Keratitis.

These include topical medications such as Trifluridine eye drops and Ganciclovir ophthalmic gels.

Besides these topical medications, certain oral medications such as Valacyclovir and Acyclovir  may prevent the recurrence of Herpes Keratitis.

With proper treatment, symptoms typically begin to improve within 2-5 days and completely resolve in 2 weeks.

But if your symptoms worsen and do not get better while taking the medication, take immediate action and consult your doctor.

This may indicate epithelial toxicity or resistance to medication.

After diagnosing your condition, your doctor may suggest alternative treatment methods.

Prevention of Herpes Keratitis

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Since Herpes Keratitis is contagious, it is important to follow certain measures to prevent its spread.

According to studies, wearing contact lenses is a major risk factor for HSV Keratitis. 

Therefore, avoid sleeping in your contact lenses and follow proper hygiene while wearing them.

It is recommended to replace your contact lenses every 3-6 months.

Additionally, avoid touching your infected eye, and frequently wash your hands to prevent the spread of viruses to your eyes.

Conclusion

Herpes Keratitis, a type of Keratitis, is an eye condition caused by Herpes Simplex Virus that may potentially lead to blindness.

The common symptoms include redness, eye pain, blurry vision, eye discharge, and sensitivity to light.

Even though there is no cure for Herpes Keratitis, the symptoms can be managed by using antiviral medications such as Valacyclovir and Ganciclovir.

The treatment generally lasts for a few weeks but may vary according to the severity of the infection.

To reduce the risk of getting HSV Keratitis, practice proper hand hygiene and avoid touching your eyes with untouched hands.

Avoid sleeping in your contact lenses, and maintain good hygiene when wearing them.

Additionally, contact your doctor immediately if you observe side effects or worsening of symptoms due to the medications.

They may prescribe alternative medications for your Herpes Keratitis.

Frequently Asked Questions

• ClevelandClinic.org
• Aao.org