Related articles: Ophthalmic herpes zoster
Definition
Ophthalmic herpes zoster is the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) at the ocular level. In fact, it is the same viral agent that first causes chickenpox and, in subsequent and possible reactivations (even years later), the fire of Saint Anthony.
If the secondary infection involves the nasal-ciliary nerve (as reported, sometimes, by the presence of blisters on the tip of the nose), it can also affect the eyeball.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Eye fatigue
- Asthenia
- Burning eyes
- Conjunctivitis
- Ocular pain
- Tingling in the head
- Fotofobia
- Eyelid swelling
- Tearing
- lagophthalmos
- Headache
- Eyes reddened
- Paresthesia
- Reduced vision
- Ocular secretion
- Blurred vision
Further indications
In the initial phase, the symptoms of ophthalmic herpes zoster are non-specific and include the appearance of frontal tingling, fatigue and general malaise. Thus, herpes zoster ophthalmic produces a vesicular eruption on the forehead and eyelid. The rash distribution is dermatomeric: the lesions run along the ophthalmic branch of the V cranial nerve. During the acute phase, painful inflammation of the anterior and, rarely, posterior ocular structures occurs. This process, in addition to severe pain in and around the eye, causes several ophthalmic signs: palpebral swelling, conjunctival hyperemia, corneal edema and photophobia.
Ocular complications of ophthalmic herpes zoster include glaucoma, cataract, chronic or recurrent uveitis, scarring and corneal neovascularization. The development of these conditions can be risky for vision. Another possible consequence is postherpetic neuralgia, responsible for constant or recurrent pain that may persist for months or years in the region involved.
Ophthalmic herpes zoster is identified based on the characteristic appearance of the rash on the forehead, on the eyelid and the presence of other ocular signs. Culture and immunological tests can be performed to support the diagnosis. The therapy uses the use of oral antiviral drugs (eg acyclovir, famciclovir, valaciclovir etc.) and corticosteroids.
