What is shingles in the eye? Shingles is a viral infection that results in itching and pain in the affected areas. It can affect any part of the body, including the eye. Here is the key information about this subject.
The herpes zoster virus, which causes shingles, causes a painful rash with blisters that turn into crusts and can leave scars that last a lifetime.
And when it affects the eye area, it is called shingles in the eye or herpes zoster ocular, and it can cause serious problems in the eye, such as: inflammation, glaucoma, and corneal ulcers. The following is the most crucial information about it:
Ring of fire in the eye
Shingles is a painful skin rash brought on by the activation of the varicella zoster virus. In 10%–20% of herpes zoster patients, this rash develops on or around the eye, and is then referred to as ocular herpes zoster in reference to the site in which it did. Shingles appears inside the eye, but it may appear in areas near the eye in addition to more common areas of the body, such as: chest and back.
Several issues are brought on by shingles. This virus can cause vision loss and scarring, and it can have a long-term effect on people with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of shingles in the eye
In addition to the blistering rash that develops on the eyelids, forehead, and sometimes on the side of the nose closest to the eyes, herpes zoster in the eye can also cause a number of additional symptoms, the most noticeable of which are as follows:
- eye ache that is either pulsating or scorching.
- eye and surrounding area redness.
- teary eyes
- eye irritation;
- blurry vision
- Extreme sensitivity to light.
- Swelling in additional eye regions, such as: eyelid; the retina, which is the layer at the rear of the eye that is light-sensitive. The cornea, which is the transparent layer at the front of the eye.
Factors that increase the risk of shingles in the eye
The likelihood of developing shingles later in life is typically higher for people who had chickenpox as youngsters. This is because the virus remains dormant in their bodies as it hides in nerve cells close to the spinal cord and can become active again when they are older.
The following are some of the elements that amplify the ring of fire in the eye:
- those who experienced chicken pox as children.
- people over 50, as the immune system deteriorates with age.
- people who have HIV or cancer.
- People taking drugs that weaken the immune system, such as: chemotherapy or radiotherapy for cancer.
Complications resulting from shingles in the eye
Long-term harm to the eye and its surroundings is one of the complications of herpes zoster, along with other problems like:
- permanent scarring
- swelling of the retina
- blue eyes
- Corneal injury .
- Temporary or permanent vision loss.
Diagnosis of shingles in the eye
A doctor is often able to diagnose shingles just by looking at the rash on the eyelids and on the body. In order to corroborate this, he also collects a sample of the fluid from the blisters and runs a test in the lab.
The ophthalmologist also examines the eyes and the areas around them, including:
- Examination of the cornea of the eye.
- Examination of the lens of the eye.
- Retina examination.
The doctor may also check the eyelid, the cheek, and the scalp, among other areas of the body and the eye, before looking for malignancies and virus-related damage.
Treatment of shingles in the eye
A doctor will frequently recommend the following medications to treat discomfort and stop the spread of an infection on the skin:
- antiviral medications like acyclovir and famciclovir.
- corticosteroids used topically are used more frequently.