How to Treat Herpetic Eye Disease
Herpetic eye disease, or herpes of the eye, can be caused by two types of herpes viruses; herpes simplex 1, which also causes cold sores, and varicella-zoster, the type of herpes, which causes chicken pox and shingles. While most adults carry one or both of these viruses in their body, they do not typically cause problems; however, when the herpes virus begins to multiply it can spread into the eye.
Things You Will Need
- Antiviral eye drops
- Antiviral pills
- Corticosteroid eye drops
1. Make an appointment to see a doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of herpetic eye disease. Symptoms include pain, rash, sores or cloudiness in or around one of the eyes.
2. Fill any prescriptions the doctor may give you. Antiviral eye drops and/or pills will be prescribed. In addition, if the herpetic eye disease has affected your cornea, the doctor will likely prescribe corticosteroid eye drops.
3. Use any medications the doctor prescribes until the prescription runs out. Typical recommended dosage is ten to 14 days, but sometimes symptoms subside before the treatment time has ended. However, if you discontinue use of your medication before completing the full-recommended dosage, the herpetic eye disease may return.
4. Make a follow-up doctor’s appointment if you have been prescribed and are using corticosteroid eye drops. Corticosteroid eye drops are a topical steroid used in the eye. These drops can cause an increase in the pressure of your eye. The doctor will need to check your eye pressure after a few days’ use. In addition, if the medication does not eliminate the symptoms or if the symptoms return, make a return visit to your doctor.