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The Effects of Herpes Simplex on the Vision

In rare cases, herpes simplex 1 can infect the eye. In those cases, the infection usually spreads to the eye from the lips via fingers or through underlying nerves. Herpes of the eye can have a devastating effect on vision.

  1. At First

    • You may notice immediate effects on your vision upon contracting ocular herpes. Blurry vision and sensitivity to light are common in the early stages, along with irritation, swelling, sores and redness.

    Severe Cases

    • If your case is mild, it should heal with no scarring of the cornea. If your case is more severe, effecting deeper layers of tissue, you can experience vision loss and possibly even blindness.

    Stromal Keratitis

    • Ocular herpes affecting deeper layers of the cornea is called stromal keratitis. It's a rare condition, but according to All About Vision is "the leading cause of corneal scarring that subsequently causes blindness in the United States."

    Iridocyclitis

    • Another severe form of ocular herpes is iridocyclitis, in which the iris becomes inflamed. The results: blurred vision, sensitivity to light, redness and pain.

    Recovery

    • In cases where ocular herpes has progressed to the point of corneal scarring and vision loss, a corneal transplant may be required to restore vision.

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