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herpes
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 herpes simplex eye disease and
the familiar “cold sore” or “fever blister.” Type II is responsible for sexually transmitted herpes and rarely causes
infection above the waist.
An original infection with herpes simplex type I occurs in 90% of the population, usually during childhood or
adolescence. The infection, sometimes only a mild sore mouth or throat, comes from close personal contact
with an 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 eye. Occasionally, the virus reactivates and causes a recurrent “cold sore” or “fever blister.”
What is herpes simplex eye disease?
The most common herpes simplex eye disease caused by HSV type I is a recurrent eye infection of the cornea,
the clear front window of the eye, which can potentially threaten sight. The infection varies in duration, severity
and response of treatment, depending in part on which of several different strains of HSV type I caused the
original infection. It can be considered a “cold sore” or “fever blister” 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 are likely to have a recurrence within two years.
The process may go deeper into the cornea and cause permanent scarring or inflammation inside the eye.
Chronic ulcers, which are sometimes very difficult to heal, may also develop on the cornea.
Herpes simplex eye disease usually occurs in only 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 or brain, but this occurs infrequently.
It is important to remember that herpes simplex eye disease is not usually caused by HSV type II, the sexually
transmitted 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 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 with Dr. Dodge before beginning any treatment since some medications may
actually make the disease worse.
Why are regular medical eye examinations important for everyone?
Eye disease can occur at any age. Many eye diseases do not cause symptoms until the disease has done
damage. Since most blindness is preventable if diagnosed and treated early, regular medical examinations by
Dr. Dodge are very important.
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 herpes simplex eye disease and
the familiar “cold sore” or “fever blister.” Type II is responsible for sexually transmitted herpes and rarely causes
infection above the waist.
An original infection with herpes simplex type I occurs in 90% of the population, usually during childhood or
adolescence. The infection, sometimes only a mild sore mouth or throat, comes from close personal contact
with an 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 eye. Occasionally, the virus reactivates and causes a recurrent “cold sore” or “fever blister.”
What is herpes simplex eye disease?
The most common herpes simplex eye disease caused by HSV type I is a recurrent eye infection of the cornea,
the clear front window of the eye, which can potentially threaten sight. The infection varies in duration, severity
and response of treatment, depending in part on which of several different strains of HSV type I caused the
original infection. It can be considered a “cold sore” or “fever blister” 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 are likely to have a recurrence within two years.
The process may go deeper into the cornea and cause permanent scarring or inflammation inside the eye.
Chronic ulcers, which are sometimes very difficult to heal, may also develop on the cornea.
Herpes simplex eye disease usually occurs in only 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 or brain, but this occurs infrequently.
It is important to remember that herpes simplex eye disease is not usually caused by HSV type II, the sexually
transmitted 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 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 with Dr. Dodge before beginning any treatment since some medications may
actually make the disease worse.
Why are regular medical eye examinations important for everyone?
Eye disease can occur at any age. Many eye diseases do not cause symptoms until the disease has done
damage. Since most blindness is preventable if diagnosed and treated early, regular medical examinations by
Dr. Dodge are very important.
