Herpes under the eye: causes and methods of treatment. The danger of the appearance of herpes in the eyes There may be herpes in the eyes

One of the most dangerous manifestations of a herpes infection in the human body is ophthalmic herpes or herpes on the eyes. Most often, herpes viruses cause corneal lesions - keratitis, which often cause a rapid deterioration in vision.

According to current data, the proportion of herpesvirus diseases of the cornea in some countries is more than 80%. Ophthalmoherpes can give from 3 to 5 relapses per year. In the absence of treatment, the deeper tissues of the eye are involved in the infectious process, which often leads to disability, and sometimes complete loss of vision.

causative agents of ophthalmic herpes

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and the virus chickenpox– Varicella zoster. In recent years, there has been evidence of an increasing role in the defeat of the eyes of the herpes simplex virus type 2, cytomegalovirus and HSV-6, which usually cause, respectively, genital herpes, infectious mononucleosis and infantile roseola.

All members of the herpesvirus family are spherical in shape. In the center of the virus particle is a double-stranded DNA molecule formed by strands of different lengths.

The genetic material of herpes viruses is protected by three shells. DNA is densely packed into a layer of protein molecules of the same size, forming a regular twenty-sided capsid. Outside of it is an amorphous protein layer called a tegument. The third shell (supercapsid) is a phospholipid membrane.

Entering a cell, the virus inserts its DNA into its genome and uses the host's protein-synthesizing apparatus to produce viral components. The formation of new virus particles occurs on the inner nuclear membrane of cells. The pathogen accumulates in large quantities in the nucleus, breaks its membrane and exits the cell. When leaving the nucleus, viral particles capture part of its membrane, acquiring a supercapsid.

Ways of eye infection with a virus

Normally, the eye is quite reliably protected from viral infections: the lacrimal fluid contains class A secretory immunoglobulins, mucosal cells, in response to the introduction of viruses, produce interferons that prevent the spread of the pathogen. With hidden herpes viral infection activated T-killers are also constantly circulating in the blood, capable of purposefully destroying cells affected by the virus.

The development of ophthalmic herpes is possible only against the background of a decrease in reactivity immune system, which occurs as a result of infectious diseases, severe stress, prolonged exposure to the sun, hypothermia. Eye trauma, pregnancy, or treatment with immunosuppressants, cytostatics, and prostaglandin drugs can also lead to viral activation.

Initial infection with herpes viruses occurs through the mucous membranes oral cavity, respiratory or genital tract in direct contact with a sick person, using common dishes, towels, toys, hygiene items.

The virus multiplies in the epithelial tissue, then penetrates the circulatory and lymphatic systems, dispersing throughout the body. HSV-1, HSV-2 and Varicella zoster migrate to the nerve nodes, where they remain latent throughout life. Most often, the cause of ophthalmic herpes is precisely such "sleeping" viruses. This route of infection is called endogenous.

However, exogenous infection of the mucous membrane of the eye is also possible when the contents of the vesicles that form with herpes on the lips or chickenpox get on it.

Especially often exogenous infection occurs in children. preschool age due to their increased physical activity, stay in organized groups and low level of hygiene. The proportion of exogenous herpetic eye damage in this age group can reach 80%. It is also possible exogenous infection of newborns when passing through the birth canal of a mother with genital herpes.

Disease pathogenesis

With exogenous or endogenous penetration into the eye, the virus begins to multiply in the surface layer of the cornea. The pathogen accumulates in keratocytes, breaks the membrane and goes out, infecting neighboring cells. The release of the virus is accompanied by the death and desquamation of corneal cells and other tissues involved in the infectious process.

In addition to mechanical defects, the reproduction of the virus causes autoimmune lesions. Since the supercapsid of herpesviruses is formed by the nuclear membrane of the affected cells, it carries antigens on its surface - protein molecules characteristic of the human body. On the one hand, this partially masks the virus from the effects of the immune system, allowing it to spread throughout the body. On the other hand, antibodies produced in response to the introduction of a virus can also destroy a person's own cells, mistakenly recognizing them as foreign.

Symptoms and clinical picture of ophthalmic herpes

Some of the symptoms of ophthalmic herpes are similar to those of eye lesions of an allergic and bacterial nature. These include redness of the eyelids and eyeball, lacrimation and photophobia, pain and sensation foreign body in the eye.

With herpetic lesions of the retina, various forms of keratitis, in addition to these signs, the following are also observed:

decreased visual acuity or blurred vision;
flashes and sparks before the eyes;
distortion of the shape and size of objects;
doubling;
blurred vision.

Often there is convulsive closure of the eyelids - blepharospasm.

With herpetic neuritis of the optic nerve, there is severe pain in the orbit and superciliary arch, narrowing of the field of vision or a blind spot in its center, pain when moving the eyes, a feeling of a veil before the eyes. Nausea, headache, fever are possible.

Clinical forms

With primary infection with herpesviruses, ophthalmic herpes occurs quite rarely. More than 90% of cases are eye lesions that occur during recurrences of the infection. In this case, tissue damage can be superficial or deep and affect only the anterior part of the eye (sclera, conjunctiva, cornea), or the anterior and posterior ( choroid, retina, optic nerve) departments.

The table below shows the clinical forms of ophthalmic herpes:

Anterior lesions	Posterior lesions
Surface	Retinochoroiditis (formation of a cloudy white spot in the retina)
Conjunctivitis	Chorioretinitis (inflammation of the posterior choroid)
Blepharoconjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva and eyelids)	Uveitis (inflammation of the choroid)
keratitis (cornea damage) vesicular (formation of vesicles on the cornea followed by ulceration) tree-like (fusion of ulcers with the formation of branched lines) geographic (larger ulcers than dendritic, have jagged edges) marginal (ulceration of the edges of the cornea).	Inflammation of the optic nerve (neuritis)
corneal erosion	Perivasculitis (superficial inflammation of blood vessels)
Episcleritis (inflammation of the connective tissue between the sclera and conjunctiva)	Acute retinal necrosis syndrome (rapid death of the retina with severe inflammation of the choroid)
Deep	Central serous retinopathy (macular detachment)
Metaherpetic keratitis (damage to large areas of the corneal stroma)	Anterior ischemic retinopathy (blood stasis in the retina)
Deep keratitis without ulceration focal (accumulation of fluid in the cornea with scattered foci of opacification) discoid (accumulation in the center of the cornea of fluid in the form of a disc) bullous (swelling and clouding of the cornea) interstitial (edema of the deep layers of the cornea)

Approaches to the diagnosis of the disease

Inflammatory eye diseases of various nature often have similar symptoms that do not clearly determine their cause.

The basis for the diagnosis of ophthalmoherpes is a complex of characteristic symptoms, taking into account infectious diseases and other provoking factors in the anamnesis, as well as assessing the improvement in the patient's condition during treatment with antiherpetic drugs.

It is mandatory to examine with a slit lamp, which often reveals corneal lesions typical of herpes infection: single or tree-like ulcerations, foci of clouding, inflammation of the vessels and venous congestion.

The most accurate diagnostic method is the immunofluorescence reaction (RIF), or the method of fluorescent antibodies (MFA). The essence of the method lies in the treatment of scraping cells of the affected tissue with antibodies to the herpes virus labeled with fluorochrome. Smears are prepared from the obtained material and examined under a fluorescent microscope.

This microscope uses an ultraviolet lamp as an illuminator, which, when irradiated, emits a green or orange glow from the fluorochrome. If herpes viruses are the cause of the disease, their antigens are located on the membranes of the affected cells, with which labeled antibodies react. With a positive result, luminous cells are found in the smears.

In severe or doubtful cases, antibodies to the virus are determined by enzyme immunoassay. The herpetic nature of eye lesions is indicated by the presence of immunoglobulins M, low-avid IgG, or a fourfold increase in IgG titer during a two-fold examination with an interval of 14-21 days.

The research method is determined by the stage and form of the disease. It must be remembered that the visit to the doctor on early dates infection will avoid not only complications, but also invasive methods of material sampling.

What are the possible complications?

With superficial localization of the infectious process and timely treatment, ophthalmic herpes, as a rule, passes without consequences.

When the deep structures of the eye are involved, there is often a decrease in visual acuity due to corneal opacity and vitreous body may cause corneal blindness.

Long-term herpetic eye infection in some cases leads to cataracts and glaucoma. Retinal lesions are often accompanied by hemorrhages or necrosis (death), resulting in partial or complete detachment with irreversible loss of vision.

Treatment

The treatment regimen for ophthalmic herpes depends on the clinical form of the disease. With superficial lesions, they are limited to specific (etiotropic) and symptomatic therapy. The first is aimed at suppressing the activity of the pathogen, the second is aimed at alleviating the symptoms of the disease (edema, pain, lacrimation, impaired blood supply and trophism).

Of primary importance for successful treatment is the direct impact on the herpes virus. Three approaches are used for this:

the use of antiviral drugs (usually acyclovir and its derivatives);
nonspecific immunotherapy (interferon inducers, immunoglobulin preparations);
specific immunotherapy (herpetic vaccine, antiherpetic immunoglobulin).

Gives maximum effect combined application medicines with different mechanisms of action. This approach allows you to quickly eliminate symptoms and reduce the frequency of relapses.

In case of damage to the deep structures of the eye, in addition to drug treatment, they resort to surgical intervention (microdiathermocoagulation, keratoplasty, neurotomy, laser coagulation). These methods are aimed at eliminating or limiting the lesion.

Symptomatic therapy includes the use of vitamin, anticonvulsant, decongestant, analgesic and absorbable drugs, which are most often administered by drip, by electro- or phonophoresis.

Preparations for the treatment of ophthalmic herpes

Etiotropic therapy of herpes eye lesions is carried out locally with the help of ointments and drops, as well as systemically tableted and injectable forms of drugs. The most common means for targeted exposure to herpes viruses include:

Oftan IDU is one of the first drugs for the treatment of herpetic eye lesions. According to the chemical structure, it is an analogue of the nitrogenous base of thymine, which is part of DNA. Due to the similarity of the structure, it blocks the enzymes responsible for the incorporation of thymine into the composition of nucleic acids, and inhibits the reproduction of the virus. Available in the form of drops for local application;
Trifluorothymidine (TFT) is an analogue of Oftan IDU with a similar mechanism of action, but less toxic and more water soluble, which makes it easier to administer. It is used in the form of eye drops;
Vidarabine (Ara-A) is a structural analogue of adenine that blocks the formation of viral nucleic acids. Available as a 3% ointment;
Acyclovir for herpes in the eyes is administered orally in tablet form and topically in the form of an ointment (Zovirax, Virolex). The mechanism of action of the drug is also associated with the inhibition of enzymes involved in DNA synthesis due to structural similarity. active ingredient with guanosine;
Valtrex (Valacyclovir) is a derivative of acyclovir with a similar effect on herpes viruses. It is administered orally in the form of tablets. Valaciclovir is an inactive form of acyclovir that is converted to acyclovir in the human body;
Florenal, tebrofen, bonafton, riodoxol are synthetic antiviral agents for topical use in the form of an ointment. In the treatment of ophthalmic herpes, they are laid behind the eyelids and applied to the affected skin around the eyes.

Nonspecific immunocorrection is carried out with immunoglobulin preparations and inducers of interferonogenesis.

Immunoglobulin preparations include interferon α, interlock, reaferon.

Interferon α and interlock - a mixture leukocyte interferons human derived from donated blood. The antiviral effect is associated with the modification of the membranes of healthy cells, preventing the penetration of the virus. Both drugs are used in the form of drops.

Reaferon is a recombinant interferon synthesized by bacterial cells with an introduced human interferon genome. The mechanism of action is similar to that of reaferon and interlock. It is administered by drip directly into the eye, or in the form of eye injections.

The most popular interferon inducers are pyrogenal, poludan, thymalin, taktivin, levamisole, licopid, sodium nucleinate, amixin, cycloferon. These drugs are prescribed both systemically (in tablet and injectable forms) and locally in the form of periocular injections.

The introduction of inductors leads to the activation of interferon synthesis by the body's own cells. This reduces the risk side effects, since the use of donor and recombinant interferons can cause allergic reactions.

Specific immunocorrection is carried out using a herpes vaccine or antiherpetic interferon.

The vaccine is a mixture of inactivated herpesvirus types 1 and 2. In the pharmacy network, the vaccine is represented by Vitagerpavak (Russia), Gerpovax (Russia), Gerpevak (Belgium). The vaccine is administered intradermally every six months between relapses of the disease.

Antiherpetic interferon (Gerpferon) is a combined drug in the form of an ointment for topical use. Contains two active ingredients - recombinant interferon and acyclovir at a concentration of 3%. The combination of these components provides an effect on the pathogen and protection of healthy cells from its introduction.

With deep eye lesions, in addition to the listed groups of drugs, mydriatics, antiseptics and antibiotics, antiallergic drugs are administered.

The use of mydriatics is necessary to reduce ciliary muscle spasm and photophobia. These drugs include Atropine, Midriacil, Cyclomed, Irifrin.

A common complication of severe ophthalmic herpes is the addition of bacterial infections. For their treatment and prevention (during surgical intervention), antibiotics and antiseptics are prescribed in the form of drops or ointments.

The most commonly used cephalosporins (ceftriaxone) and fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin) are given by injection; ofloxacin, tobramycin, lomefloxacin in the form of drops; ointments based on tetracycline and erythromycin. The choice of the drug is carried out on the basis of bacteriological research.

The need to use a complex set of drugs often leads to allergic reactions. To prevent them, antihistamines are prescribed - Lekrolin, Tavegil, Suprastin, Diphenhydramine.

With optic neuritis, drugs are additionally prescribed that improve blood supply and tissue nutrition - nicotinic acid, pentoxifylline, vitamins of groups B, A, PP and C.

To eliminate turbidity, dionin, lidase, vitreous preparations, aloe, calcium chloride, amidopyrine, etc. are used. The action of these agents is aimed at resolving infiltrates and restoring damaged tissues.

Prevention of infection of the eyes with the herpes virus

The main set of preventive measures is aimed at interrupting the transmission of the pathogen: avoiding direct contact with a sick person, using individual dishes, towels, cosmetics, careful observance of the rules of personal hygiene in the presence of other forms of herpes.

Pregnant women infected with genital herpes are prescribed treatment and thorough treatment of the birth canal to avoid infection of the child during childbirth.

In case of recurrent herpes, vaccination with an antiherpetic vaccine and the introduction of immunomodulatory drugs are carried out under mandatory medical supervision. Additionally, the diet is adjusted, multivitamin preparations, physical education and hardening procedures are prescribed as a means of increasing immunity.

A useful video about the possible dangers associated with a herpes infection

Data 20 Apr ● Comments 0 ● Views

Doctor Maria Nikolaeva

Herpes on the eyelid of the eye occurs in only 2-3% of cases of all herpetic lesions. However, it is precisely this localization of rashes that affect the area of the skin around the eye that can lead to the development of serious complications. In order to prevent their development and quickly get rid of a cosmetic defect, you need to learn more about the causes of the infection, as well as effective ways her treatment.

How to treat herpes on the eyelids

Treatment of herpes on the eyelid of the eye must begin with the appearance of the first rash and diagnosis.

Important! When rashes appear on the eyelids, in no case should you immediately run to the pharmacy for antiviral drugs! First of all, you need to contact an ophthalmologist. Rashes with molluscum contagiosum may be similar to herpes. The non-specialist cannot differential diagnosis between these two diseases. And the tactics of treating diseases are different.

The tactics of treatment consists in the use of the following medications:

antiviral;
immunomodulators;
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory;
antiseptic solutions for the treatment of affected areas.

One of the most unpleasant diseases of the mucous membranes is herpes. And herpes is one of the most dangerous manifestations of this disease. Ophthalmic herpes, if left untreated, can lead to unpleasant consequences, which is why it is important to contact a specialist in time for treatment recommendations.

Causes and symptoms of eye herpes

Herpes is a viral disease and most often it is transmitted by airborne droplets. They can also be infected by household means through dishes and personal items. More likely to get infected in a person with reduced immunity.

Most often, herpes affects children who are in large groups - schools and kindergartens. A high probability of infection in a newborn child through an infected mother's genital tract.

Causes of herpes in the eye can be:

The herpes virus can be present in every person in the body, but it is more likely to occur in a person with reduced immunity. Eye herpes is provoked by the virus types 1 and 2, as well as chicken pox.

Herpes of the eye on the eyelid rarely occurs as a primary disease, most often it is provoked by various factors, which causes herpes of various forms.

Depending on the cause and form of the disease, the symptoms of herpes in the eyes are expressed differently. If the primary disease is conjunctivitis, then herpes may not be accompanied by blisters, but only redness, itching and increased tearing of the eyes. The virus can cover the trigeminal nerve.

Damage to the optic nerve is characterized by:

Severe pain in the eye sockets.
The occurrence of pain when moving the eyes and eyelids.
Dizziness, headache.
Blurred vision.
The appearance of a blind spot in the field of view.

If herpes under the eye occurs against the background of herpes zoster, the following symptoms occur:

Pain in the affected area.
The appearance of bubbles, which subsequently burst and form crusts.
Fever, weakness.
Headache.
Itching and burning at the site of the eruption.

In the event of herpes on the eyes, it is necessary to prevent the attachment bacterial infection. You can not comb the rashes and use non-sterile napkins for compresses.

Symptoms of herpes in the eyes of viral origin:

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Increased tearing.
Intolerance to bright light.
Discomfort and feeling of a foreign body.
Redness of the eyelids.

Herpes on the cornea - keratitis - most often of an infectious or traumatic nature. Symptoms of herpes keratitis:

Bubble rashes along trigeminal nerve.
Bursting bubbles are accompanied by pain.
Decreased sensitivity of the cornea.

With deep lesions on the cornea, erosions and ulcers occur, which can lead to iridocyclitis - inflammation of the iris. Its symptoms:

purulent discharge from the eyes;
change in the shape of the pupil;
pain and pain in the eyes.

Also, keratitis can be accompanied by damage to the retina.

Symptoms:

A sharp decrease in vision, especially in poor lighting.
Nebula and doubling before the eyes.
The appearance of bright flashes and sparks.
Twitching and spasms of the eye muscles.

Absence proper treatment can lead to complete loss of vision. The rarest complication of herpes is choreoretinitis, an inflammation in the retina that always leads to loss of vision. It most often affects people with impaired immune systems. How to treat herpes in front of the eyes depends on the form of the disease.

Medical treatment

An ophthalmologist is engaged in the treatment of herpes on the eye. Only a specialist after the examination will tell you how to treat ophthalmic herpes. Medical therapy It is aimed at suppressing the virus, relieving inflammation and healing rashes.

With unopened forms and properly selected treatment, recovery occurs very quickly. With deep lesions of the cornea, retina and other parts of the eye area, surgical, plastic or laser surgery is necessary.

If a small area of eye tissue is affected by the virus, the use of local preparations is sufficient. Well tolerated and quickly suppress the spread of infection antiviral ointments:

Ointments on the eyes should be applied with cleanly washed hands so as not to introduce an additional infection.

In addition to ointments, antiviral and immunomodulatory drops are prescribed:

Oftalmoferon, Poludan, Aktipol, Oftan Idu - antiviral drops that promote the production of interferon, relieve inflammation and reduce itching. The dosage and duration of administration is prescribed by the doctor.
To relieve inflammation and as a local anesthetic, drops are used: Okomistin, Okoferon, Miramistin. They are instilled 3 times a day, the minimum course is 5 days, then as directed by a doctor.
Indocollir, Diklof - relieve pain, instill 3-4 times a day drop by drop.

In case of serious lesions and when herpes on the eye is accompanied by a rash on other parts of the body, antiviral drugs are prescribed for internal use: Acyclovir, Herpetad, Acic.

Treatment of herpes of the eye should be combined with the use of immunostimulating agents: Cycloferon, Viferon, Polyoxidonium. AND vitamin complexes with a high content of vitamins B, A, E, C.

When herpes on the eyelid is accompanied by a bacterial infection, topical antibacterial drugs: Tetracycline and Erythromycin ointments, Levomycetin drops Sodium sulfacit, Tsiprolet, Tsipromed.

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To relieve itching and burning prescribed antihistamines: Loratadin, Suprastin, Tsetrin, Zodak.

To avoid complications and quickly cure herpes, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner and adhere to all recommendations. It is possible that the doctor will prescribe not only medications, but also advise how to treat with folk methods.

Non-traditional methods

Treatment of eye herpes with home remedies is aimed at relieving the burning sensation and itching, and should be accompanied by therapy with pharmaceutical preparations.

For eyewash use the following means:

To rinse the eye, you need to lie on your side and, with a well-moistened cotton pad, draw from the outer to the inner corner of the eye.

Do not flush both eyes with the same disc!

For flushing, you can use syringes without a needle and small syringes. For treatment folk remedies only sterile wipes and accessories should be used. After each procedure, they must be thoroughly washed and disinfected.

Compresses are used to relieve inflammation and speed up the healing of sores:

To make a compress, you should take a sterile bandage, fold it four times and soak in a warm infusion. Apply 2-3 times a day for 15 minutes.

The interval between compresses and instillation of therapeutic drops into the eyes should be at least 1 hour. During the treatment of herpes on the eyelids, it is necessary to raise the immunity of the whole organism. It is necessary to drink cranberry fruit drinks, tea with honey and lemon, brew echinacea.

Prevention

In order to reduce the risk of herpes on the eyelids, personal hygiene should be observed and contact with carriers of the infection should be avoided.

Only a specialist knows how to treat herpes of the eye, so do not self-medicate!

Eye herpes is enough serious illness, and only a specialist should deal with its treatment. To avoid relapses, one should adhere to medical prescriptions and not interrupt the course of treatment at the first improvements.

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itching, burning, tingling sensation...
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The herpes virus can infect various bodies and systems, including the organs of the visual apparatus. Ocular herpes (ophthalmoherpes) is a dangerous disease in which the cornea is affected. The process leads to visual impairment.

In immunocompromised people, the disease can recur up to five times in one year. In severe cases, the virus infects deeper tissues and provokes the development of diseases leading to blindness.

Herpetic infection causes inflammation of the cornea - keratitis, which is the main cause of deterioration visual functions. Before talking about treatment, consider the common causes of eye herpes.

Provoking factors

Depending on the time of occurrence, herpes is congenital and acquired. Herpes above the eye can cause such pathogens:

simple herpes;
chickenpox virus;
genital herpes;
cytomegalovirus.

In a healthy person with strong immunity, the eyes are well protected from pathogenic microflora. Tears contain immunoglobulins that prevent the spread of a viral infection.

Herpes on the eye is a highly contagious disease, that is, it is very easy to become infected with herpes viruses. We highlight the main ways of transmission of infection:

airborne;
contact;
sexual;
domestic;
transplacental;
ascending.

Primary infection usually occurs through contact with an infected person or through the use of shared items.

Consider the provoking factors leading to the appearance of herpes near the eye:

stressful situations:
hypothermia;
weakened immunity;
infectious diseases;
eye injury;
pregnancy;
taking cytostatics or immunosuppressants;
prolonged stay in conditions of abnormally low or, conversely, high temperatures Oh;
long antibiotic therapy;
monotonous food.

Symptoms

Let's highlight the characteristic signs of herpes on the eyelid:

profuse lacrimation;
redness of the eyeball;
blurred vision;
narrowing of the palpebral fissure;
itching, tingling;
photophobia;
eyelid twitching;
weakness, headaches;
subfebrile temperature up to 37.5 degrees;
hardening of the skin, similar to a bump;
pain, sensation of a foreign body;
the appearance of vesicles with a dirty yellow separable. After they burst, crusts appear.

In place of the bursting bubbles, crusts form

In the case of a herpes virus infection of the retina, more serious symptoms appear, namely:

closing of the eyes in the form of convulsions;
diplopia - double vision;
distortion of objects;
the appearance of flashes before the eyes;
blurred vision.

Clinical forms of herpes

Consider the forms of herpes and their clinical characteristics.

Herpetic dermatitis of the eyelids

The disease occurs in the form of herpes simplex or herpes zoster. It has a sharp onset. The main symptoms of the disease are as follows:

redness of the eyelid;
bubbles with clear liquid, in place of which crusts appear over time;
burning and itching;
chills;
headache;
elevated temperature.

Bubbles can be either single or multiple. Herpetic dermatitis of the eyelids has a tendency to relapse.

In shingles, the trigeminal nerve is affected. This causes severe neurological pain along the trigeminal nerve, in the orbit, dizziness, headache, the appearance of a blind spot in the field of view. Patients complain about severe pain when moving the eyeball. Scars appear after wound healing.

Ringworm on the eye causes redness of the eyelids

At lichen simplex weeping places are smeared with a solution of brilliant green. The crusts are lubricated with antibiotic ointments. For oral use, multivitamin complexes are prescribed.

To combat shingles, the rash is smeared with oxolinic ointment, Zovirax or Bonafton. To achieve an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, Analgin or Reopirin is prescribed. Before applying the ointment and instilling drops, hands are thoroughly washed with soap and disinfected with a special gel.

Herpetic conjunctivitis

Herpetic conjunctivitis is characterized by a unilateral lesion. Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye is manifested as follows:

mucous discharge from the eyes;
sticking of the eyelids;
sensation of a foreign body in the eye;
lacrimation;
dryness and burning;
photophobia;
swelling and redness of the eyelids and skin near the eye;
red eyeballs;
vesicles on the cornea, skin and eyelids.

The photo clearly shows herpetic conjunctivitis with edema

Treatment of eye herpes includes the use of antiviral, antibacterial and glucocorticosteroid drops. Lack of timely treatment threatens with deterioration of vision, infection and cicatricial processes.

Herpetic keratitis

In keratitis, a herpes infection affects the cornea. The disease is prone to relapse and threatens with complete loss of vision. The initial period of a herpetic lesion resembles a mild bacterial infection in its manifestations. It is characterized by the following symptoms:

lacrimation;
redness;
hypersensitivity;
photophobia;
corneal edema;
small vesicles turning into ulcers;
blurry vision.

The disease does not respond to antibiotic treatment and is often progressive. In some cases, the disease goes away without treatment. After several recurrent cases, ulceration occurs, corneal clouding occurs, and its sensitivity is also impaired.

For the treatment of keratitis, antiviral ointments and drops are used. In severe cases, inpatient treatment under the supervision of an ophthalmologist is indicated. Patients are treated with antiherpetic and immunomodulating agents.

The reddened skin around the eyes is smeared with antiviral ointments

Stromal keratitis

The disease is characterized by damage to the deeper layers of the cornea, which is fraught with complete blindness. Manifestations of stromal keratitis can be quite different:

irritation and pain in the eye;
blurred vision;
puffiness;
lacrimation;
redness;
sensation of the presence of a foreign body;
ulcers on the cornea;
photophobia;
mucous discharge.

With the defeat of the surface layers of the cornea, ointments, drops and tablets with antiviral action are prescribed. With inefficiency conservative treatment surgery may be needed.

The upper eyelid with herpes is red and swollen

Herpes on the eyelid of a child's eye

Most children are born with antibodies that protect them from a herpes infection, but they disappear within six months. Parents should pay attention to the fact that after vaccination, the child's immune system is rebuilt and may not have time to respond to the attack of harmful microorganisms, including herpeviruses.

The first symptoms of the disease that you should pay attention to are:

redness and irritability of the eyes;
bubbles on the eyelids;
itching and burning;
lacrimation;
photophobia;
sensation of a foreign body;
sharp pain in the eye;
inability to open eyes.

How to treat?

Herpes under the eye is treated depending on the form and severity of the disease. Therapeutic tactics include the fight against the causative agent of infection and unpleasant clinical symptoms.

Medical treatment includes the use of the following:

Valaciclovir for oral administration;
antiviral drops Oftan-IDU drip one six times a day;
antiseptic drops Miramistin are instilled into conjunctival sac one six times a day;
anti-inflammatory drops Naklof drip three times a day;
in case of allergic reactions, Opatanol antihistamine drops are used.

Anti-herpetic vaccination may help prevent recurrence

Antiviral ointments will help relieve the symptoms of herpes:

Acyclovir is applied to the affected areas four times a day;
Tebrofen ointment is applied over the edges of the eyelid three to four times a day for two weeks;
Vidarabine is applied every three hours.

As an adjuvant therapy, drugs are used traditional medicine. For washing the eyes, the following recipes are used:

take dry leaves and marshmallow leaves. Two tablespoons of raw materials are poured into a glass of boiling water. The agent is infused for half an hour, filtered, after which it is used for the procedure;
Pour a teaspoon of lungwort with 250 ml of boiling water. The remedy should be infused for two hours;
in a glass of boiling water, several rose hips, two leaves of lungwort, a teaspoon of bird cherry leaves are insisted.

Important! It is forbidden to wash both eyes with the same cotton pad.

Compresses will help relieve inflammation and speed up the healing process:

you will need flowers and leaves of arnica. A tablespoon of raw materials is poured with a glass of boiling water and insisted for two hours;
combine freshly squeezed aloe juice with water at the rate of 1:10;
a spoonful of dry celandine is poured with 250 ml of boiling water. After the solution has cooled, a little honey is added to it;
mix fresh dill with water.

Maintaining personal hygiene will help reduce the likelihood of relapse. Avoid contact with carriers of the infection

do not give personal hygiene items to anyone: towel, washcloth, soap;
change bed linen regularly. If you are already sick, wash your bed at high temperatures;
avoid exposure to strong winds;
the room in your house should be sufficiently humidified;
do not overstrain your eyes, do not forget about rest.

Summary

Herpes on the eye is a dangerous disease, the treatment of which should be handled by a qualified specialist. Good personal hygiene will help speed up the healing process and reduce the chance of recurrence. The basis of treatment is antiviral ointments and drops. To prevent the attachment of a bacterial infection, they are also used antibacterial agents. Used as a supplement folk recipes. Do not forget that the first stage of treatment is diagnosis, so when the first symptoms of herpes appear, contact a specialist.

The herpes virus can infect various human organs, including the eyes. Herpes on the eye is one of the most dangerous herpes infections that can lead to serious visual impairment. This virus is also called ophthalmic herpes.

Most often, the herpes virus contributes to inflammation of the cornea of \u200b\u200bthe eye - keratitis. For this reason, a person begins to lose sight quite quickly. According to statistics, in some countries the proportion of keratitis is more than 80%. Relapses of eye herpes can occur 3 to 5 times a year. In the absence of timely and adequate treatment, deep tissues of the eye may be involved in the inflammation process, which often leads to complete loss of vision.

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Causes of herpes in the eyes and methods of infection

The lacrimal fluid of the eye protects quite well from the occurrence of infections, if everything is normal. Secretory immunoglobulins, which are contained in the lacrimal fluid, prevent the spread of viruses.

In what cases is it possible to develop herpes on the eye:

A decrease in the immune system, which occurs due to severe stress, hypothermia, or already transferred infectious diseases.
Eye injury.
Pregnancy.
Taking immunosuppressants.

Initially, you can become infected with herpesvirus under the following circumstances:

Direct contact with a sick person - the virus penetrates through the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, genital tract.
Maintaining a common household - using the same dishes, personal hygiene products, towels, etc.

Initially, getting into epithelial tissue, the virus multiplies and spreads through the circulatory and lymphatic systems, from where it moves throughout the body. Herpesvirus type 1 and 2 penetrates into the nerve nodes, remaining there for life in a "sleeping" mode. This route of infection is endogenous.

There is a second route of infection - exogenous, in which the serous contents of herpetic vesicles enter the mucous membrane of the eye. Most often, this route of infection occurs in childhood because children are more active. The proportion of exogenous infection in childhood is 80%.

Clinical picture of herpes on the eye

Herpes on the eyelid is characterized by the following symptoms:

Redness of the eyeball, eyelids.
Excessive tearing.
Pain.
Sensation of a foreign body in the eye.

In the case of herpetic lesions of the retina, in addition to the main symptoms, the following symptoms may be observed:

Blurred vision, blurred feeling in the eyes.
Flashes before the eyes.
Distortion of the visibility of objects.
Doubling.
Convulsive closing of the eyes.

Clinical forms

Disease name	Symptoms	Photo
Redness of the eyelids, the appearance of bubbles with a clear liquid with further formation of crusts, burning of the skin, itching, temperature.
Herpetic eruptions on the skin of the eyelids and nose, redness of the eye.
A significant decrease in the sensitivity of the cornea of the eye, photophobia, lacrimation, the formation of bubbles on the cornea along the nerve fibers.
Herpetic lesions of the vascular tract, decreased sensitivity of the cornea, iris hyperemia, increased intraocular pressure, displacement of the eye "disk".
Herpetic ulcer of the cornea	Ulcer on the cornea without pain.
Opacification of the vitreous body, small precipitates centrally located.
Inflammatory lesions in the eye area, loss of vision.
Thickening of the cornea of the eye, lack of sensitivity of the cornea, significant visual impairment, vesicles.
Severe swelling of the conjunctiva, herpes eruptions around the edge of the eye.

Diagnosis of eye herpes

Eye diseases accompanied by inflammation have similar symptoms, which makes it difficult to determine an accurate diagnosis and start treatment.

What is needed to establish the exact disease:

Visual examination of the skin of the eyelids, in which herpetic eruptions are detected.
Visometry (determination of visual acuity) - often vision is greatly reduced.
Perimetry (test to determine the boundaries of the field of view).
Analgysemetry (checking the sensitivity of the cornea of the eye) - most often there is practically no sensitivity.
Biomicroscopy (examination of the anterior and posterior sections of the eyeball).
Ophthalmoscopy (examination of the fundus) to detect possible infections.

Laboratory confirmation is required because visual symptoms may indicate a completely different disease.

What diagnostic methods are required:

Scraping from the conjunctiva - in this analysis, antibodies to the virus are determined.
Complete blood count - is necessary to determine the level of leukocytes and lymphocytes. As a rule, their level is increased.
A swab-imprint from the conjunctiva, cornea to determine the DNA of the virus.

Treatment of herpes on the eye

Treatment for herpes on the eyelid will depend on the severity and form of the herpes virus infection. If the symptoms of the disease are superficial, in this case, it is necessary to treat herpes on the eye in two directions:

Etiotropic therapy - removal of the active pathogen.
Symptomatic therapy - relief and further elimination of symptoms (itching, swelling, inflammation).

Of course, the main treatment is aimed at suppressing the herpes virus. To do this, they work in the following ways:

Antiviral drugs - Acyclovir, Gerpivir.
Specific immunotherapy - antiherpetic vaccine.

The maximum effectiveness of treatment lies in the combined use of drugs aimed at suppressing the virus, eliminating symptoms and reducing possible relapses. Surgical intervention is performed if the deeper structures of the eye have been affected.

Preparations for the treatment of the herpes virus on the eyelid

Treatment of herpesvirus on the eye is carried out with the help of drops and ointments, plus a systemic intake of tablets.

Valaciclovir - orally 0.5 grams 2 times a day.
Physiotherapy (locally) - UVI, UHF for the speedy healing of wounds.
Antiviral drops - Oftan-IDU, 1 drop 6 times a day.
Antiseptic drops - Miramistin, 1 drop 6 times a day.
Anti-inflammatory drops - Naklof 1 drop 3 times a day.
Antihistamine drops (for allergic reactions) - Opatanol 1 drop 3 times a day.

The duration of treatment is 3-4 weeks strictly under the guidance of an ophthalmologist.

Prevention of herpes on the eye

Prevention of herpes on the eye is to minimize direct contact with a sick person, use individual hygiene items, dishes and cosmetics.

If herpes was found in a pregnant woman, treatment and special treatment of the birth canal is carried out in order to avoid infection of the child during childbirth.

Nutrition should be complete, enriched with vitamins. As an increase in the immune system, multivitamin preparations, physiotherapy exercises and the gradual hardening of the body are prescribed.