Ocular or Eye Herpes Information

Ocular herpes simplex virus, ocular herpes zoster, ocular herpes diagnosis

When the eye becomes infected with the herpes virus it is called ocular herpes. Most people will be infected with either oral or genital herpes virus. When the nerves of the face are the resting place for a dormant herpes virus, an outbreak will develop as ocular herpes. For most individuals this kind of virus will stay in the dormant state but it is still possible to become active and travel to the nerves of the face to the ocular nerves.

This is usually a rather harmless kind of herpes. The signs may be a mild pain, some redness or some light sensitivity. Little scaring will take place with ocular herpes and will be visible in the part of the eye called the cornea.

When the ocular herpes does become severe it is possible to experience a decrease in vision and even the possibility of going blind. This will happen when the scar tissues that form around the cornea of the eye become severe. Severe scaring of the eye will heightened according to how deep the virus goes into the surrounding tissue of the eye, the retina and the cornea.

The severity of the ocular herpes has been proven to be affected by a weakened immune system or the delayed action of the immune system. It is still a medical mystery as to the reason a dormant ocular herpes turns active. Some studies have come to the conclusion that fevers or sunburn is the contributing factor for a outbreak. Other studies say that the biggest reason for an outbreak is stress.

The seriousness of the outbreak of ocular herpes depends on the individual and the type of treatment they are receiving. It is possible for some treatment to make the outbreak worse. For treating a mild case of ocular herpes the use of eye drops or eye ointments can be effective.

Some of the more intense outbreaks have been treated with the use of steroids by means of eye drops which helps to diminish inflammation. Other treatments to help battle the ocular herpes virus are the use of antiviral eye drops.

Another form of treatment is the natural method. Adding olive leaf extract and lysine to the daily food intake is a common method. For a natural supplement containing antiviral abilities minus any side effects there is Monolaurin, a modern form of Lauricidin.
The safest type of treatment should be at the recommendation of your health care professional. Make sure to address any questions or concerns during your office visit.