Ocular Herpes Treatment

Ocular herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus, the same virus that leads to cold sores on the mouth. The staff at the "Digital Journal of Ophthamology," a publication that is affiliated with Harvard Medical School, urges people to not confuse ocular herpes with genital herpes, as they are not the same (see Resources). Ocular herpes affects the eyes. Symptoms include redness, eye watering, pain and blurry vision. This herpes infection is completely treatable.

Eye Drops

• Eye drops are used to reduce the inflammation that occurs with ocular herpes. The drops usually contain antibiotics to clear up the infection.

Oral Medications

• Anti-viral medications may be used to treat ocular herpes. You may need oral medications in addition to eye drops, or on their own.

Contact Lens

• Your doctor may prescribe a therapeutic contact lens to wear on the affected eye for a period of time. The lens allows the eye ulcers to heal in a sterile environment.

Steroids

• Steroids are powerful drugs that some people are leery about taking. Sometimes, steroids can be used to treat ocular herpes, though it is a more aggressive treatment.

Surgery

• In rare, yet severe cases of ocular herpes, the lesions damage the cornea beyond repair. In this case, surgery in the form of a corneal transplant would be required.