Eye Conditions

Herpes

Herpes simplex virus is a common virus affecting humans. It is perhaps best known as the cause of cold sores, the facial blisters that sometimes occur following a cold or fever. The name herpes comes from the Greek word meaning "to creep", as cold sores sometimes appear to creep or spread over the face. There are two types of herpes simplex viruses. Type I primarily involves the face and eyes, and type 2 primarily causes genital infections. Each year in the United States approximately 25 million people have flare-ups of facial herpes, five million develop genital herpes. There are about 500,000 people in the U.S with a history of herpetic eye disease.

Signs and Symptoms

• Blurred vision

• Sensitivity to light

• Pain and redness of the eye

Treatments and Prevention

• Antiviral eyedrops or ophthalmic ointments

• Wiping away infected cells from the cornea with a dry, cotton-tipped applicator (* done only by an ophthalmologist)

UIC Specialists
Joel Sugar,MD
Elmer Tu,MD

Treatment Clinic/Service
Cornea Service

Eye Facts Article
Ocular Herpes Simplex

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.