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Herpes simplex eye infections can be uncomfortable and alarming, often causing redness, pain, and blurred vision. These infections are typically due to the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which can affect various parts of the eye, including the cornea. While they can be recurrent and vary in severity, prompt diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. If you’re experiencing symptoms or need expert eye care, the compassionate team at Kirk Eye Center is here to help.
What is herpes simplex?
Herpes simplex is a disease caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Type 1 HSV often produces painful, fluid-filled blisters on the skin or other tissues. Cold sores and fever blisters are caused by this form of HSV.
Another herpes simplex virus, type 2 HSV, affects mainly the genital area. It is usually spread during sexual contact. All of the following information is about type 1 HSV.
How do herpes simplex eye infections occur?
HSV is very common. About 90% of adults have had the infection. HSV is spread through contact with fluid from a person’s mouth. Most people have their first infection during childhood or early adolescence.
Attacks of HSV that affect your skin or eyes can be triggered by:
- Too much exposure to sunlight physical or emotional stress
- A fever
- A reaction to certain foods or medicines eye injury.
Sometimes the cause of attacks is unknown.
In some people, HSV eye infections recur often. If not treated, repeated infections can cause serious damage to the cornea (the clear dome on the front of the eye).
HSV symptoms
The symptoms of HSV eye infections are:
- Blisters on or near the eyelid
- Redness
- Irritation
- Tearing
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision
HSV often affects only one eye.
How are they diagnosed?
Herpes simplex eye infections can be difficult to diagnose. They may cause the same symptoms as allergies, other viruses, and reactions to some medicines.
Your doctor will examine your skin and eyes and ask about your medical history. Your doctor may send some of the fluid from the blisters to a lab for analysis.
How Kirk Eye Center treats HSV
Sometimes herpes simplex eye infections go away without any treatment. Other times your doctor will prescribe medicines in the form of eye drops or ointments to kill the virus. To help speed up healing, your eye doctor may scrape the blisters away with a cotton swab. If your eyes do not get better with these treatments, you may need to take medicine in pill form.
One type of herpes simplex destroys cells in the eyes. For this condition your eye doctor may recommend that you take an additional medicine (corticosteroids) to help prevent serious problems. However, corticosteroids should not be taken for other forms of HSV. Be sure that your eye doctor knows about all your symptoms.
Severe cases may require surgery. Some doctors recommend keratoplasty (a cornea transplant) if the cornea has been severely scarred. They may prescribe pills to reduce the chance of HSV in the transplant.
How long do the effects last?
After the first infection, HSV may not cause any problems for months or years. Then sores may reappear when your immune system is weakened by disease or stress. Sometimes HSV is active but you do not have any blisters.
The effects of HSV vary greatly from person to person. Your symptoms may go away in a few days or weeks. You may have only one attack after your initial infection in childhood. However, you may have a recurrence whenever your immune system is weakened or for unknown reasons.
What you can do to help prevent herpes simplex eye infections
Because type 1 herpes simplex virus is so common, you probably cannot prevent your first infection. Many cases are so mild that you may not know you have been exposed to HSV. Later in life, you may be able to prevent attacks by maintaining general good health and keeping stress in your life at a moderate level.
Sometimes attacks occur for no known reason and probably cannot be prevented.
Are herpes simplex eye infections contagious?
Herpes simplex usually doesn’t spread to the other eye, and spreading the virus to another person is unlikely. If you have an extremely weak immune system, the virus may spread to other parts of your body such as the retina or the brain, but not to another person.
Why Choose Kirk Eye Center
At Kirk Eye Center, we provide exceptional eye care to Loveland, Fort Collins, Windsor, and Northern Colorado communities. Led by Dr. John Kirk, a Colorado native with over 25 years of experience, our practice has been a trusted provider of comprehensive ophthalmology and optometry services since 1991. Dr. Kirk’s deep commitment to his community and his progressive approach to eye care ensure you receive the most advanced treatments for conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal issues.
Our philosophy centers around personalized care, meaning that you are treated like family when you visit Kirk Eye Center. Dr. Kirk and his team take the time to understand your medical history and eye health needs so you never feel rushed. Our licensed and accredited outpatient surgery center, located conveniently within the Kirk Eye Center building, is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for advanced surgical procedures in a comfortable and familiar setting. Choose Kirk Eye Center for comprehensive, compassionate, and cutting-edge eye care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does treatment for herpes simplex eye infection usually take?
Treatment duration varies, but most cases are managed within two to three weeks with antiviral eye drops or oral medications. Severe cases may take longer and need ongoing management to prevent recurrence.
Are there any over-the-counter treatments for herpes simplex eye infections?
No, over-the-counter treatments are not effective for herpes simplex eye infections. Prescription antiviral medications are necessary to manage the virus and prevent complications.
Can untreated herpes simplex eye infections cause complications?
Yes, untreated infections can lead to serious complications, including corneal scarring, chronic pain, vision impairment, or even permanent vision loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
Can contact lenses increase the risk of herpes simplex eye infections?
Yes, wearing contact lenses, especially when not following proper hygiene, can increase the risk of eye infections, including those from the herpes simplex virus. Avoid using contact lenses during active infection.
Can herpes simplex eye infections cause permanent vision damage?
Yes, if not properly treated, recurrent infections can damage the cornea, leading to scarring and vision loss. Severe cases may require corneal transplantation to restore vision.
Can I spread herpes simplex from my eye to other parts of my body?
Yes, it is possible. Touching an infected eye and then another body part without washing your hands can spread the virus, especially to the mouth (causing cold sores) or genital area.
When should I see a specialist for a herpes eye infection?
Seek medical care right away if you have severe eye pain, vision changes, redness, or discharge. An ophthalmologist can properly diagnose and treat the infection to prevent complications.
Schedule a consultation in Loveland, CO today
If you believe you are in need of treatment for Herpes Simplex Eye infections, seek our help now! For more information about these and other eye health topics, including disorders, diagnosis, treatment and more, please contact Kirk Eye Center using the form on this page or call us at (970) 669 - 1107  today. Our Loveland practice serves patients throughout Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins, Windsor and other nearby areas.