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Herpes on the eyes (ophthalmic herpes) is a clinically complex phenomenon. It has several forms with its own symptoms. That's why self-medication is strictly not recommended, since it is necessary to treat herpes on the eye only after a correct diagnosis, which we will discuss below. Herpes can affect both the mucous membrane of the eyes and the eyelids or skin around the eyes. Below are all the features of getting the herpes virus on the eyes.

The main causative agents of eye herpes are vpg-1 (a virus that provokes a cold on the lips) and the virus - varicella zoster (chickenpox).

Secondary viruses that can also cause ophthalmic herpes are herpes viruses: type 2 (usually causes genital herpes), type 5 (cytomegalovirus), type 6 (causes infantile roseola in the primary manifestation).

Causes and methods of infection

  1. To provoke the activity of the virus and its manifestation in the eye area can: treatment with cytotoxic drugs, pregnancy, taking immunosuppressants.
  2. External factors of infection can be: eye injury; infection of the eyes with a virus in the active stage of a cold on the lips, if the bladder is damaged and interaction of contents with eye tissues.
  3. The defeat of the eye area with ophthalmic herpes is possible through household contact, through hygiene items. For example, wiping yourself with a towel used by an infected person in the active stage of herpes on the lips. When applying makeup, for example, using a common infected attribute, transferring herpes to the upper eyelid.

If there is a frequent recurrence of herpes in the eye area, then this is usually due to a weakened immune system. Even if there was a clinical recovery, the herpes virus will remain (inactive) inside the body for a long time. And with reduced immunity, it will make itself felt, affecting the former areas.

Common symptoms of herpes in the eyes

Symptoms and signs of ophthalmic herpes are very similar to many eye diseases. Especially if we talk about general symptoms, they are easily confused with conjunctivitis, keratitis and other bacterial inflammations.

As a rule, herpes of the eye and some other eye diseases have common symptoms:

  • Soreness and tearing;
  • Reaction to bright light;
  • Visual impairment (especially in the dark);
  • Redness of the eyelid;
  • redness of the eye;
  • Nausea and headache are possible;
  • Lymph nodes may be enlarged.

There are symptoms in which ophthalmic herpes can be distinguished from other eye diseases: pronounced blisters, the same as with herpes on the lips, as well as severe itching in the eyelids.

During a visual examination, several zones affected by the ocular herpes virus can be distinguished:

  1. Herpes around the eyes - not only the eyelids are captured, but also skin areas in the left and right parts of the eyes;
  2. Herpes above the eye - the defeat of the upper eyelid;
  3. Herpes on the lower eyelid of the eye - all the same bubble rashes;
  4. Mucosal damage eyes;
  5. Herpes under the eye - rashes extend beyond the lower eyelid.

Symptoms of ophthalmic herpes in different clinical forms

DiseaseSymptoms
  • Tingling and itching in the area of ​​small rashes. After that, vesicles (clear vesicles) appear.
  • After a few days, the vesicles form a yellowish crust.
  • Sometimes the temperature may rise.
  • The patient feels unwell and weak.
  • Bubble rashes begin with a lesion in one eye.
  • There is a clear discharge from the eyes, from which the eyelids stick together in the morning.
  • Bright light hurts the eyes.
  • Sensation of dryness in the region of the eyeballs.
  • Redness of the conjunctiva.
  • Bubble rashes may appear on the cornea.
  • The disease affects the vessels of the eyes.
  • In acute form, eye pain expressed by periods.
  • With a recurrent form of pain is not observed, but visual acuity gradually decreases.
  • This form of herpes is the most difficult to cure.
  • The sensitivity of the cornea is reduced.
  • There is a feeling of a foreign body in the eye.
  • Increased eye pressure.
  • There is a sensation of a displaced eye disk.
  • Presence of water blisters.
  • Herpetic lesions of the eye vessels.
  • The disease lasts for a long time.
  • The ulcers appear to be clean.
  • The disease is painless.
  • Most often it is asymptomatic.
  • Sometimes there is pain.
  • There is a deterioration in vision.
  • Edema of the corneal tissues.
  • The appearance on the cornea of ​​\u200b\u200bbubbles characteristic of herpes.
  • Photophobia and lacrimation.
  • Significantly reduced sensitivity of the cornea.
  • The cornea loses its luster due to the formation of irregularities that are caused by herpes sores, so turbidity is observed.
  • There is a thickening of the cornea and the absence of its sensitivity.
  • Rough and slightly raised epithelium.
  • Herpetic vesicles periodically disappear and reappear.
  • The disease is protracted and is accompanied by visual impairment.

Correct diagnosis of ophthalmoherpes

Following from the above clinical forms of ocular herpes and their similar symptoms, it is necessary to conduct a thorough diagnosis. After the diagnosis of the disease, the ophthalmologist will deal with the treatment. Below we describe the methods of diagnosing the disease, which can be carried out in herpes centers or clinics that provide services for the following types of diagnostics and tests.

  1. Slit lamp. This method is mandatory when diagnosing herpetic eye lesions. When viewed with a lamp, a cornea lesion is detected with pronounced symptoms that occur during a herpes infection. These include: inflamed vessels of the eye, focal opacities, etc.
  2. Immunofluorescence analysis(REEF). To study the biomaterial under a fluorescent microscope, the cells of the affected area are taken, treated with antibodies (labeled with fluorochrome) to herpes viruses. Then, when analyzed under an ultraviolet lamp, the herpesvirus cells are isolated by luminescence. If they are not, then the analysis is negative. This is one of the most accurate types of diagnosis of ophthalmic herpes today.
  3. Linked immunosorbent assay. It is carried out in especially severe cases of manifestation of eye herpes, or in case of doubtful determination of other types of diagnostics. In herpetic eye infection, as a rule, immunoglobulins M are present. When examined in two stages (an interval of 2–3 weeks), a 4-fold increase in IgG titer indicates the presence of ophthalmic herpes, and low-avid IgG may also indicate the nature of the disease.

Do not forget that for a better and more accurate diagnosis of the disease, it is desirable to take biomaterial at an early stage of symptoms. And also a timely appeal to a specialist will help to avoid complications.

Treatment

How to treat herpes on the eye depends on the clinical form, which is why correct diagnosis is required. For forms with lesions of the upper tissues, drugs are usually used to relieve symptoms, which can drown out the activity of the virus.

There are 4 groups of drugs that are usually taken in combination in the treatment of ophthalmic herpes:

  1. Means for relieving symptoms (drugs against edema, painkillers, etc.).
  2. Immunomodulators.
  3. Antivirals.
  4. antiherpetic vaccine.

With the penetration of herpes into the deep tissues of the eyes, surgical treatment is used:

  • removal of affected areas;
  • laser coagulation (radiation exposure).

Immunomodulators

Most often, eye herpes manifests itself when the virus is activated, which occurs when the immune system decreases, so the doctor, as a rule, prescribes immunoglobulins and interferon inducers for the immune correction of the body:

  1. Interlock. Drops based on donor blood cells. Leukocyte interferons carry out the modification of cell membranes, which allows you to create a protective blockade of the cell to the penetration of the virus.
  2. Reaferon. Drops that also contain human interferons. They are used in two ways: a) they are buried in the eyes, b) they are injected in the affected area.
  3. Interferon inductors: Amisksin, Cycloferon, Timalin, etc. They are used both in the form of tablets and by injection. Unlike immunoglobulins, interferon inducers practically do not cause allergic reactions and have a minimal list of side effects.

Antivirals

A drugDescription

Topical preparations

Acyclovir (ointment) 5% or 3%

  • When using a five percent acyclovir, it is necessary to exclude any possibility of getting the ointment on the mucous membrane of the eye. Apply only to the outer surface of the eyelids.
  • If you still allow the ointment or cream to get on the cornea or conjunctiva, then it is better to use a three percent acyclovir.
  • With repeated diseases of herpes is ineffective.
  • It is convenient to use for herpes on the eyelids to protect yourself from accidental contact with the mucous membrane.

Fenistil-pencevir (cream).

  • It is also impossible to allow contact with the mucous membrane of the eyes and treat only the outer part of the eyelids or the skin near the eyes.
  • This drug fights herpes viruses much better, so for recurrent herpes or a more acute form, it is better to use it.

Oftalmoferon (drops).

  • It is usually used in parallel with the application of acyclovir or fenistil, in order to prevent the possibility of the spread of herpes to the cornea.
  • When used for prophylactic purposes, therapy is carried out for 14 days, instilled into the eye - 2 drops 3 times a day.

Preparations in tablets

Tablets with the basis of Valaciclovir:

  • Valtrex
  • Valvir
  • Valavir
  • When ingested, the substances of these tablets are converted into Acyclovir. But the concentration of Acyclovir in this case can only be compared with the injection of the drug. Thus, the activity of the drug is much higher.
  • When fighting a strain of herpes that is insensitive to Acyclovir, Valaciclovir preparations will also be useless.

Famciclovir tablets:

  • Famciclovir-TEVA,
  • minaker,
  • famvir,
  • These are expensive pills relative to other herpes drugs, but the most effective.
  • To date, the drug Famvir is not recommended for use in children.

Acyclovir or Zovirax tablets.

  • The difference between these drugs is only in price and manufacturer, they contain the same active substance.
  • The weakest drug against eye herpes. More than half of the virus strains have low sensitivity against it. Typically, these tablets are used to prevent or treat HSV in the initial stage.

HSV vaccine for ocular herpes

With herpes on the eyes, vaccination can be carried out only in the absence of an acute form of the disease. Re-vaccination can be after 6 months. In this case, we are talking about a vaccine that was created using HSV types 1 and 2.

There are several herpes vaccines. Popular is Vitagerpavak of Russian origin. It is placed in the forearm area, the course includes 5 injections with an interval of 7 days with good tolerability of the drug. Then it is recommended to repeat the vaccination in six months.

Do not forget that with herpes on the eye, treatment can only be prescribed by an ophthalmologist after a correct diagnosis. Self-treatment of this type of herpes is highly discouraged. Improper therapy can lead to loss of vision. At the first manifestations of the disease, contact a specialist!

Ophthalmoherpes in a child

The causes of herpes in the eyes of children can be:

  • Vaccinations;
  • Overheating (including in the sun);
  • Hormonal changes;
  • Minor injuries, eye injuries;
  • Cold or hypothermia;
  • Decreased immunity.
  1. Peculiarities of symptoms in children. In addition to itching in the eyelid, watery eyes, sensation of a foreign body in the eye and redness, in children, herpes in the eye area is usually accompanied by a cold on the lips, pay special attention to this. Before you contact a specialist, in the form of first aid, a child can be given symptomatic treatment with Ophthalmoferon drops. Keep in mind that children may be more likely to get sick if they get chickenpox.
  2. Features of treatment in young children. For the treatment of herpes on the eye in babies, as well as newborns, a bunch of drugs are most often used: Acyclovir (3% ointment), Viferon suppositories and Oftalmoferon drops. But a more detailed treatment can be selected only by knowing the degree of damage and the form of ophthalmic herpes.

Complications

If the treatment of eye herpes is started on time and after the correct diagnosis, the appropriate treatment was prescribed, then complications are unlikely. But if the herpes affected the eyes in deep tissues, then this can affect vision up to blindness.

Incorrect diagnosis, and, accordingly, incorrectly selected treatment, as well as untimely access to a doctor, can lead to the following complications:

  • Decreased clarity (clearness) of vision;
  • Constant feeling of dryness in the cornea;
  • Poor eyesight;
  • Cyclic eye pain;
  • An eye affected by herpes may eventually stop seeing at all.

With a long course of the disease, the virus can provoke cataracts or glaucoma. It is also possible detachment of the retina due to hemorrhages, which are characteristic of its defeat.

Herpes on the eye is a concern because it can have unpleasant symptoms. In rare cases, herpes on the eye can affect the deeper layers of a person's eyes and their vision.

In this article, we'll take a look at the types of herpes that can affect someone's eye and the symptoms that can occur. We will also look at options for diagnosing and treating eye herpes.

Types

Herpes on eyelid

There are two main types of herpes simplex virus. they

  • Type 1: Type 1 herpes virus usually affects the face and is responsible for symptoms that include "fever blisters" or "colds".
  • Type 2 A: Type 2 herpes virus is a sexually transmitted virus. While this type mainly causes symptoms on the genitals, it can also affect the eyes.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Type 1 herpes simplex virus is the most common cause of eye infections.

Most often, a person will become infected with the herpes simplex virus from skin-to-skin contact with someone who already has the virus.

It often lies dormant in nerve cells and can travel along the nerves to the eye when activated.

Most people have been infected with the virus at some point in their lives, but not everyone gets symptoms from the virus.

Herpes eye symptoms

When a person gets herpes on the eye, they may experience a variety of symptoms. They can be in both eyes, but often one eye is more affected than the other.

Some symptoms depend on which part of the eye is affected. Examples of these symptoms include

  • feeling like something is in the eye
  • headache
  • photosensitivity
  • redness
  • tearing

Sometimes a person may also experience herpes sores on the top of the eyelids. They may resemble a rash that has swelling. Calluses will form crusts that usually heal within 3 to 7 days.

If the herpes virus infects the cornea, the inside of the eye, or the retina, a person may find that their vision is reduced.

As a rule, herpes eye does not cause much pain, although a person's eye may look painful.

The symptoms of the herpes virus that affects the eye can be very similar to those of the shingles virus that causes chickenpox. However, a herpes zoster infection is more likely to result in a rash that has a distinct pattern that occurs in only one eye.

Another condition that can have symptoms similar to herpes zoster is pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis.

The reasons

herpes on the eye photo

A person can get the herpes virus after it has been released through nasal secretions or spitting. This is especially true when a person has herpes.

The virus within the secretion can then travel through the nerves of the body, which may include the nerves of the eye.

In some cases, the virus enters the body and causes no problems or symptoms. In this form, he is known as the recumbent "sleeper".

Certain triggers can sometimes cause a dormant virus to start reproducing and cause eye irritation. Examples of these triggers

  • fever
  • major surgical or dental procedures
  • stress
  • Tan
  • injury or severe injury

The herpes virus can be highly contagious. However, just because a person has or comes into contact with the herpes virus does not mean they will get herpes eyes.

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose herpes eye disease by taking a medical history and asking the person about their symptoms. They can find out when a person first noticed their symptoms and what makes them worse or better.

The doctor will also do a physical examination of the eye. This will involve using a special microscope known as a slit lamp to visualize the surface of the eye and possibly the eyelid.

Doctors can usually diagnose eye herpes by looking at the sores. If the deeper layers of the eye are infected, they will have to use special instruments to measure eye pressure. They will also need to check the deeper layers of the eyes whenever possible.

As part of the diagnosis, the doctor may also take a small cell sample, known as a culture, from the blistered area. They will then send that sample to a lab to be tested for the presence of the herpes simplex virus.

For the most part, herpes affects the very top of the eye. This condition is known as epithelial keratitis.

Sometimes herpes eye can affect the deeper layers of the cornea when it is called stromal keratitis. This condition is more of a concern for eye doctors because it can cause scarring on the cornea, which can permanently affect vision.

Treatment of herpes on the eye

Your doctor may prescribe antiviral eye drops.

There is currently no cure for herpetic eye disease. Instead, a doctor may prescribe medications that reduce the effects and symptoms of the condition. Treatment most often depends on where the herpes eye is located.

Eyelashes

Doctors will prescribe an ointment such as an antiviral or antibiotic facial ointment to gently place over your eyes.

While antibacterial ointments won't fight a herpes infection, they will keep other bacteria from entering the open, swollen eyelids.

Outer layers of the eyes

If eye herpes only affects the outer layers of the eye, a doctor may prescribe an antiviral eye drop or an oral antiviral drug such as acyclovir. They help reduce the effects of the virus and can shorten the time a person has the virus.

Deeper layers of the eyes

If the herpes virus has affected the deeper layers of the eye, a doctor may prescribe antiviral eye drops and oral medications.

The doctor may also prescribe steroid eye drops. This will help reduce eye inflammation, which can lead to increased eye pressure.

Prevention

As eye herpes is prone to cause further infections, some doctors may recommend taking antiviral medicines on a regular basis to reduce the risk of someone getting eye herpes again.

Recurrent herpes eye infections can cause more eye damage, so doctors want to prevent them from recurring.

Conclusion

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, doctors diagnose about 50,000 new cases of herpes eye disease each year in the United States. While they cannot cure eye herpes, they can prescribe medication that reduces the length of the symptoms.

If a person has recurrent eye infections or begins to experience loss of vision, they should see an eye specialist for evaluation and instructions on additional treatments.

Content

If herpes appears on the eye, the eyelid becomes inflamed, and for effective treatment of ophthalmic herpes, it is necessary to consult an ophthalmologist in a timely manner. This disease has an infectious nature, where not only mucous membranes, but also nearby soft tissues are involved in the pathological process. Herpetic eye damage develops at any age, and in the absence of timely conservative therapy, we are already talking about severe health complications, systematic relapses.

What is herpes on the eye

Ophthalmoherpes is an infectious disease provoked by increased activity of the herpes virus, where the involvement of eye tissues and mucous membranes in the pathological process occurs. The disease is congenital or acquired, but, in any case, in the presence of a primary infection, urgent treatment is required with conservative methods. The herpes under the eye itself is not dangerous, the real threat to health is such dangerous complications as keratitis, followed by loss of visual acuity and potential blindness.

Reasons for the appearance

After penetration into the body and the spread of infection, the symptoms of herpes may be absent for a long time, especially after a preliminary increase in immunity. This is explained by the fact that a harmful virus, penetrating the mucous membrane of the eye, does not multiply under the influence of the produced interferon. Own immunoglobulins contained in the lacrimal fluid inhibit the inflammatory process, as if prolonging the incubation period.

If the immune system is weakened, the pathogenic virus affects the cornea and eyelids, accompanied by acute inflammation of the ocular structure of the apple, the optic nerves. Before proceeding to conservative therapy, it is important to study the etiology of the pathological process, to identify and exclude factors provoking ophthalmic herpes. It:

  • prolonged hypothermia of the body;
  • infectious diseases of a complicated form;
  • mechanical and chemical eye injuries;
  • long-term medication;
  • progressive pregnancy;
  • prolonged exposure to the sun;
  • violation of the rules of personal hygiene;
  • complication of colds, viral diseases;
  • stress, chronic overwork.

Ways of infection

The causative agents of the disease is the pathogenic herpes virus, which is transmitted to a healthy person by airborne droplets or household contact. In addition, infection often occurs through unprotected sexual contact. Pathogenic flora settles on the inner membranes and dermis, at first it may not manifest itself in any way. With herpetic keratitis, the symptoms progress spontaneously and the pathological process can no longer be suppressed by its own interferon.

Symptoms

Herpes on the mucous membrane of the eye is not only an internal disease, but also provokes an aesthetic defect. Outwardly, the eye turns red, small vessels burst, ulcers appear on soft tissues, and the functions of the lacrimal glands are disrupted. Herpes on the mucous membrane of the eye has a common symptomatology, which is described below:

  • reddening of the foci of pathology, which are accompanied by pain, itching;
  • increased sensitivity of the cornea;
  • progressive conjunctivitis, blepharitis;
  • severe itching with skin rashes;
  • visible swelling of the eye tissues;
  • the formation of vesicles on the mucous membrane or eyelid with relapses of eye diseases;
  • violation of the structure of the mucous membrane;
  • signs of visual impairment;
  • local compaction of the upper or lower eyelid;
  • scarring if the vesicle is forcibly opened.

Herpes on the eye of a child

In childhood, herpes near the eye resembles an allergic reaction, since it affects the conjunctiva of the eyeball, is visualized by visible redness, bursting blood vessels and a feeling of severe itching. If the eye is damaged, the child falls into the risk group, the addition of a secondary infection is not excluded. At all stages of the disease, childhood symptoms are presented below:

  • sore eyes;
  • swelling of the eyelids;
  • loss of visual acuity with retinal damage;
  • visible bubble around the eye contour;
  • disturbed phase of sleep;
  • increased irritability;
  • sensation of itching, burning in the eye.

Forms of herpes

In order for the treatment to be as effective as possible, it is important to understand the form of the disease, the stage of the pathological process. For example, with superficial lesions, one can be cured with Acyclovir ointment, and in neglected clinical pictures, an integrated approach to the health problem is required. Herpes near the eye has a conditional classification:

  1. Follicular form. There are no characteristic symptoms, moderate reddening of the eyes with scanty mucous discharge prevails.
  2. catarrhal. Herpes at all stages of the disease is accompanied by severe symptoms, which increase with damage to the mucosa.
  3. Vesicular-ulcerative. Bubbles appear on the eye, and after their opening and the appearance of crusts, there are no visible scars at all.

What is dangerous herpes in the eyes

The photo of the disease scares with reddened eyes, but in reality the clinical picture is accompanied not only by an aesthetic defect, but also by potential complications. If conservative treatment is not started in time, keratitis prone to recurrence progresses. Such a diagnosis is dangerous with a sharp landing in visual acuity, complete blindness. In addition, doctors do not exclude herpetic uveitis, keratoconjunctivitis.

Treatment of herpes on the eye

Since the pathogenic virus affects the cornea of ​​​​the eye, at the first symptoms it is necessary to immediately contact an ophthalmologist and undergo an examination. Eye herpes can be identified by visible symptoms, but it is also important to know the type of disease, the stage of the pathological process. As for complex therapy, here are the current recommendations of pharmacological groups and their representatives:

  • antiviral drops and ointments: Oftan-IDU, Okoferon, Acyclovir;
  • anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of drops: Indocollir, Naklof, Diclo-F;
  • antiseptic drops: Miramistin, Okomistin;
  • antibiotics in the form of eye drops: Floksal, Tobrex, Oftakviks;
  • antihistamine drops: sodium cromoglycate or Opatanol;
  • immunostimulants for developing an immune response with your own antibody: Polyoxidonium;
  • multivitamin complexes: AlfaVit, Pikovit.

Antivirals

If herpes appears on the eyelid or under the eyebrow, without antiviral drugs, effective treatment with conservative methods becomes impossible. Such medications, subject to the full course, are aimed at suppressing and exterminating the pathogenic flora, accelerating the natural healing process. Available in the form of eye drops, ointments and tablets, they have a systemic effect in the affected body. Below are the most popular pharmacological positions.

Preparations in tablets

If herpes has appeared in the eye, oral administration of antiviral agents will help stop the pathological process, the development and spread of pathogenic flora. The following pharmacological positions in the form of oral tablets are especially effective:

  1. Acyclovir. It is supposed to take the indicated medicine in a full course for 7-14 days, a single dose is 1 tablet, the number of daily approaches is 2-3 doses.
  2. Valaciclovir. Tablets are intended for oral administration, it is supposed to take 1 pill 2-3 times a day for 1-2 weeks, strictly on the recommendation of a doctor.

Eye drops for herpes eye

In the photo, sore eyes look swollen and reddened, in life they constantly itch, itch and watery. To accelerate the therapeutic effect of systemic antiviral agents, modern ophthalmologists recommend using drops. For example, these may be the following medications:

  1. Miramistin. This drug with an antiviral effect is available in the form of eye drops. Treatment with it is recommended for up to 2 - 3 weeks, daily instilling 1 drop on the pathology center up to 6 times a day.
  2. Okomistin. Another no less effective eye drops in practice. It is necessary to instill 1 drop into the eye up to 6 times a day for 1 to 2 weeks without interruption. The course of treatment is 10 14 days.

Trifluorothymidine

Separately, it is worth highlighting these effective and at the same time safe for the health of the patient eye drops. As part of Trifluorothymidine, there are no toxic components, and the therapeutic effect is mild, targeted at the focus of pathology. Doctors prescribe TFT if there is intolerance to another drug in the form of drops called Oftan-IDU. The drug is supposed to be instilled into the eyes every hour. It is important to understand that with prolonged use, damage to the cornea, pathology on all layers of the retina is possible.

Eye ointments

Medicines of this form of release also have a stable antiviral effect, act locally on the focus of pathology, and contribute to the speedy disposal of herpes. Before using this or that ointment, it is important to exclude intolerance to the body of synthetic components. In the absence of hypersensitivity, here are effective and available pharmacological positions:

  1. Zovirax. It is required to lay a therapeutic ointment in the eyes in portions in the morning and at bedtime for 1 to 2 weeks.
  2. Penciclovir. It works on the same principle, the method of application and daily dosages are identical.

Immune drugs in the treatment of ophthalmic herpes

Weakened immunity is in dire need of vitamins and trace elements, especially if an extremely unwanted infection has already occurred. With specific rashes, doctors recommend immunocorrection, which is carried out with the direct participation of such systemic immunostimulants:

  1. Reaferon. The natural composition of the drug contains human interferon. A characteristic medication is available in the form of eye drops and a solution for injection into the eyelid area.
  2. Cycloferon. The drug kills the herpes virus, is available in the form of tablets for oral administration. It is supposed to take 1 pill twice a day for 2 to 3 weeks.

herpes vaccine

An effective prophylactic against the pathogenic herpes virus is preventive vaccination performed on the patient in a hospital setting. This is a good opportunity to eliminate the risk of relapse, to protect your own body from the destructive effects of microbes. The vaccine of domestic and imported production is especially in demand, for example, you can pay attention to the following pharmacological positions:

  • Vitagerpevak (Russia);
  • Gerpovaks (Russia);
  • Gerpevac (Belgium).

Folk remedies

Alternative medicine methods are only an auxiliary treatment, since they alone are not able to cope with the pathogenic herpes virus. Folk recipes productively relieve unpleasant symptoms, greatly facilitate the course of the pathological process. Below are the time-tested medicines:

  1. Grate fresh potatoes on a fine grater, put gruel on several layers of gauze and apply to the inflamed eye. In this way, you can quickly remove an acute attack of pain and burning. Course - up to 10 sessions.
  2. Need 2 tbsp. l. brew dry marshmallow flowers in a glass of boiling water, cover and insist until completely cooled. After straining, use the medicinal composition to wash the inflamed eyes. Course - 7 - 10 procedures.

Prevention

In order to timely avoid the penetration of the dangerous herpes virus into the body and the consequences of its activity, it is necessary to take care of preventive measures in time. Even if a person has already become infected, it is possible to maintain the pathogenic flora in the so-called "sleeping state". For this you need:

  • strengthen immunity in a timely manner;
  • carry out preventive vaccination;
  • avoid prolonged hypothermia of the body;
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Quite often there is a herpetic infection of the eyes, or ophthalmic herpes in a scientific way. It is caused by herpes simplex type 1 and the varicella-zoster virus, cases of ophthalmoherpes have been seen with genital herpes infection.
Eye herpes is manifested by inflammation of the cornea or cornea, i.e. the disease is called herpetic keratitis, but there are also lesions of other structures of the anterior and posterior parts of the eye. More often, the infection affects only one eye.

This disease affects mainly children, but 20% of patients are adults.

Eye herpes is dangerous because the disease recurs - in 25% of cases with a primary lesion and in 75% if the eyes have already become inflamed from herpes. Frequent relapses in turn lead to corneal clouding and even to corneal blindness.

The reasons

Why does the herpes virus get into the eye? Occurs only in cases where the virus has managed to overcome the protective mechanisms of the eye.
Adverse conditions in which herpes keratitis develops:

  • Stress is the most basic and formidable factor.
  • Pregnancy - reduced immunity, hormonal changes in the body.
  • Eye injury.
  • Exposure to direct sunlight, visits to the solarium.
  • Rapid hypothermia.
  • Other eye infections, especially those that are accompanied by a high rise in body temperature - the immune system is weakened and the herpes virus easily begins to multiply in the cornea.

How the disease manifests itself

Herpes of the eyes can have different symptoms depending on the affected structure of the eye, the reactivity of the body, the degree of inflammation. Main features:

  • lacrimation and "red" eye are the main symptoms that characterize viral keratitis;
  • persistent spasmodic closure of the upper and lower eyelids;
  • photophobia;
  • pain in the eye, especially when looking to the sides, performing movements with the eyeball;
  • visual impairment - the picture becomes blurry and cloudy. Blurred vision may be the only symptom of the disease;
  • at the beginning of the disease, the temperature may rise;
  • The outwardly diseased eye is red, irritated, has a narrower incision due to swollen eyelids, local lymph nodes are enlarged, and may be painful on palpation.

It is very easy for a doctor to diagnose a disease, since in more than 50% of cases keratitis is a herpes infection. The symptoms of the disease, the presence of a herpetic infection on the skin and lips, as well as the positive effect after treatment with specific antiherpetic drugs, help to establish the diagnosis.

Traditional ways

It is not always easy to treat herpes keratitis, this process is long and difficult. It is highly recommended not to ignore drug treatment. Main drugs:

  1. Local antiviral agents - Zovirax, Acyclovir. If inflammation has affected deep structures, tablets are added to the ointments - Faciclovir, Valaciclovir.
  2. Local and systemic anti-inflammatory drugs - Diclof, Indocollir, Suprastin.
  3. Interferons and interferon inducers - Ophthalmoferon, Gerperon, Amiksin, Cycloferon, Gerpevac vaccine and echinacea tincture are prescribed to strengthen the immune system. Justified for the treatment of children, people with frequent relapses of the disease.
  4. Antiseptics: Okomistin, Miramistin.
  5. Antibiotics: Tobrex, Oftaquix. Frequent inflammation makes the cornea susceptible to pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, in order to prevent bacterial complications, antibacterial drops or tablets are prescribed.

Other symptomatic drugs are also prescribed to relieve pain, swelling and intraocular pressure, inflammation can be treated with the help of physiotherapy - UHF, UVI. Any drug is prescribed by a doctor, you need to take drugs in a course, in a complex way. During treatment, the doctor controls the dynamics of the disease, adjusts the prescription.

Folk recipes

To achieve a faster and better effect, herpes treatment can be supplemented with proven folk methods. It is not reasonable to rely only on alternative treatment, but it is also not worth ignoring non-traditional methods.

Washing

Lotions and rinses with decoctions of medicinal plants, which have antiseptic and antibacterial properties, will help to defeat herpes keratitis faster:

  1. Lungwort. Pour a teaspoon of dry leaves with a glass of boiling water, leave for one hour and strain. The treatment is 2 weeks, the eyes should be washed with a decoction up to 6 times a day.
  2. Arnica. 3 teaspoons of dry raw materials should be poured with a glass of boiling water and infused for 2 to 3 hours. It is recommended to wash the sore eye with a decoction every 2 hours.
  3. Propolis. To wash the eye, you need to prepare a 1% solution of propolis. Treatment with propolis quickly relieves inflammation and eliminates pain symptoms.
  4. Altea officinalis. You can treat keratitis with a decoction of marshmallow - you need to brew 2 tablespoons of flowers or leaves with a cup of boiling water and leave for half an hour.

Lotions

Lotions are not inferior in effectiveness to washings. Prolonged exposure of the medicinal decoction to the lesion contributes to the removal of the symptoms of the disease and a speedy recovery.

The solution for lotion should be at room temperature, or not warmer than the body temperature of a sick person.. After the procedure, it is forbidden to go outside for half an hour.

Recipes:

  1. Juice of Kalanchoe and plantain. Soak a cotton pad or gauze with juice diluted 10 times with boiled water. Apply to the sore eye for 10 minutes 2-3 times a day.
  2. A cool lotion of freshly squeezed dill juice will help relieve inflammation.
  3. A decoction of rose hips will help eliminate swelling.
  4. Relieves pain and swelling with a compress of crushed potatoes.
  5. A cool decoction of cornflower flowers has a tonic effect.

Treatment with lotions should be continued for at least 10-14 days. Every other day, and preferably daily, it is recommended to prepare a fresh decoction.

Drops

If a person is not allergic to honey, and he does not have allergic reactivity, then you can treat keratitis with honey drops - you need to dilute a spoonful of honey with two tablespoons of boiled water. The resulting solution is dripped into the sore eye.

Tea

To strengthen the body's defense mechanisms, alleviate unpleasant symptoms, you need to drink decoctions of medicinal plants from chamomile, mint, lemon balm, juniper, bird cherry, adding a spoonful of natural fresh honey to the mug. It is recommended to drink an infusion of propolis.

Instead of tea, you can drink a drink from rose hips, lemon balm leaves and bird cherry flowers three times a day (ratio 1: 1: 3).
Chamomile tea is also very useful if you add a teaspoon of propolis pharmacy tincture to it.

There is a good recipe from hop cones and blueberry leaves - one tablespoon of chopped dry raw materials is added to a glass of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes. You need to drink 3 sips before meals.

Prevention

If there have already been recurrences of a herpes infection of the eye, then contact with a sick person who has herpes sores should be avoided, you should use different utensils, a separate towel. You should not let a person with rashes close to a small child, newborn children.

You need to lead an active lifestyle, engage in moderate physical activity, get enough sleep, drink courses of multivitamin preparations in the spring-winter period.

With frequent recurrences of herpes infection, you need to reconsider the diet - eat foods rich in vitamin C, eat a lot of fresh fruits, cabbage, bell peppers.

Herpes can go away on its own, but don't rely on it. Before using any means or methods, consult with specialists, do not self-medicate.

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