Ocular Herpes Symptoms

The same herpes viruses (called herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, respectively) that cause oral and genital sores to appear on the skin, can affect the eyes as well. This condition is called ocular herpes, and it usually affects one eye at a time. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) estimates that close to half a million people in the United States have experienced ocular herpes symptoms (see Resources).

Population Affected

• The majority of people who develop ocular herpes are children, but people of all ages can be affected by the virus.

Sores

• The primary symptom of ocular herpes is the appearance of painful sores on various parts of the eyes. The lesions can develop on the eyelids as well as on the eye's surface.

Inflammation

• Ocular herpes causes inflammation on the cornea. In some cases, the entire area of the eye may swell.

Vision

• Blurred vision is a symptom consistent with an ocular herpes outbreak. Vision disturbance may be intermittent for several weeks while the herpes sores heal.

Serious Infection

• Stromal keratitis, a serious infection of the cornea, can result from ocular herpes if the condition is not treated with anti-viral drugs. In very rare cases, people with these serious infections can lose their sight.

Recurrence

• It's important to be aware of the symptoms of ocular herpes, as recurrence rates are very high.