Question: Can a person get Herpes in the eye?
Answer: Herpes in the eye is caused by HSV-1, a virus. The ocular condition is not contagious. When HSV initially infects you it can be contagious. Some cold sores are caused by the same virus and the virus can then travel to the eye via nerves in the head.
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I had herpes zoster ophthalmicus (herpes in rt. eye) in 1998 when I was 37, brought on no doubt by emotional stress; otherwise in good physical condition. Treated by Stephen Lane in Mpls, with Famvir & steroid drops. Iritis in both eyes 2 weeks later, eventually resolved without reactivation.
My question is this: At 50, I’m showing signs of needing cataract surgery in the future. Is this an option for me? I’ve been told by 4 ophthalmologists that I am not a lasik candidate, nor cornea transplant because of severe nearsightedness (-11), and poor prognosis for healing due to HZO history, and danger of reactivation. What do you all think? I have increasing trouble seeing at night, and would hate to lose further vision. Oh, I have dry eyes too, so can no longer wear contacts.
Has technology changed enough to help me? Would the HZ vaccine be enough to remove the danger of reactivation if I could have eye surgery?
Would love to know what you think.
Thanks!
I have read your question over a couple of times and I want to make sure we are separating two issues.
You have described decrease in vision associated with cataracts, and then you discuss refractive surgery like LASIK and questions about whether you might be a good candidate for some other refractive surgical procedure.
The good news is that when a cataract is removed the human lens of the eye is replaced with an artificial intraocular implant lens. It is possible to do this in such a way as to restore a person’s vision back to a natural level without glasses at all. That does mean that every patient that has cataract surgery would be able to see without glasses, but it certainly is possible.
I do not have any information that would tell me that having herpes zoster vaccine would in any way prevent you from having reactivation.
We do frequently use other medications to retard the likelihood of reactivation of herpes implex and herpes zoster in such cases.
I would suggest a comprehensive eye examination and evaluation to determine whether or not you are a candidate for cataract surgery which might take care of all of your problems.
If I may be of any further assistance, please feel free to call upon me.