Eye Herpes: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors and Treatment

Published on May 11th, 2024

Updated on July 23rd, 2024

The eye herpes definition is an infection of the eye, caused by HSV-1. This article will explore the causes, symptoms, risk factors and treatment available for eye herpes. Eye herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus, specifically type one, also known as HSV-1. Once someone has contracted HSV-1, the virus will remain in the body, dormant, or until reactivated. The eye herpes causes, including factors that trigger a reactivation of the virus in the body, leading to eye herpes include stress, illness and menstruation. The eye herpes symptoms include eye pain, swelling around the eye, sensitivity to bright light, red eyes, blurred vision, discharge and tearing. Eye herpes treatments include surgery, artificial tears, antiviral medications, steroid eye drops, pain relievers and cold compresses. The eye herpes risk factors include age, genetics, a weakened immune system and prolonged sun exposure.

Eye Herpes or HSK is a very serious condition that can very quickly lead to blindness if untreated, so it is important to see a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

What is Eye Herpes?

Eye herpes, known scientifically as herpes keratitis, is a viral infection affecting the eye that is caused by HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus) type one or HSV-1. Eye herpes often affects the cornea part of the eye, the window at the front of the eye that lets light in. Keratitis refers to inflammation in the cornea. There are two main types of herpes simplex virus, type one and type two. The type of HSV that causes herpes in the eye, is type one, or HSV 1, and is the same type that causes infections or sores, such as cold sores.

What are the Other Terms for Eye Herpes?

The other terms for eye herpes are the scientific terms. Eye herpes is known scientifically as herpes keratitis or HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus) keratitis. Eye herpes is also known as ocular herpes.

How Do Eye Herpes Develop?

Eye herpes develop due to the contraction or reactivation of HSV-1, or type one HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus), within the body. According to the NHS, people are generally exposed to HSV-1, the virus that causes eye herpes, when they are young. HSV-1 can stay inactive and asymptomatic in the body after exposure, until it is triggered and reactivated, leading to infections such as cold sores, or in some cases eye herpes. A person will contract HSV type one via physical contact with an infected person’s skin or mucous membranes, through sharing personal objects with an infected individual, or through transmission of the virus at birth. The ways that the virus that causes eye herpes is transmitted and the reasons it develops are listed below.

Physical contact with an infected individual's skin or mucous membranes: HSV-1, the virus that causes eye herpes, can be transmitted via physical contact with an infected person in which saliva or other bodily fluids are exchanged.
Sharing personal objects, such as towels or cutlery, with an infected individual: Eye herpes may develop after a person has shared personal objects that carry the HSV-1 virus, such as towels, cutlery, makeup or contact lenses. Those who have an active infection such as an active cold sore or eye herpes, are at a higher risk of transmitting the virus, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Transmission of the virus at birth (for infants born to mothers with genital herpes): Though rare, a baby can contract HSV during pregnancy, during birth from the birth canal, or postnatally. People who have genital herpes at the time of birth may pass on the herpes to the child, which is a serious condition and requires immediate medical attention. The type of HSV contracted during birth is usually type 2 HSV, which is less likely to cause eye herpes than type one. HSV contracted during birth is rare, affecting approximately 10 out of every 100 000 births, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

How Common are Eye Herpes?

Eye herpes is a common eye condition. Eye herpes caused by type 1 HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus), is one of the most common causes of eye infections, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. In a 2012 study by Asim V. Farooq, and Deepak Shukla, there were roughly 1.5 million cases of eye herpes around the world each year, according to their paper Herpes Simplex Epithelial and Stromal Keratitis: An Epidemiologic Update.

What are the Types of Eye Herpes?

There are two types of eye herpes, HSK (Herpes Simplex Keratitis) caused by Herpes Simplex Virus and HZO (Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus) caused by Varicella Zoster Virus. Eye herpes is also classified by healthcare professionals depending on what area of the cornea and what tissue the infection is affecting. Herpes is caused by HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus), specifically type 1 HSV which also causes other infections or sores such as cold sores. Eye herpes may be caused by type 2 herpes of HSV-2, but this is not as prevalent as HSV-1 causing eye herpes. Eye herpes can be classified into three general categories by healthcare experts, depending on what area of the cornea has been affected. The types of eye herpes can include HSV stromal keratitis, HSV epithelial keratitis and HSV endothelial keratitis. The types of eye herpes are listed below.

HSV epithelial keratitis: HSV epithelial keratitis refers to an eye herpes infection that has affected the epithelial cells in the cornea.
HSV stromal keratitis: HSV stromal keratitis refers to an eye herpes infection that has affected the corneal stroma.
HSV endothelial keratitis: HSV endothelial keratitis is an eye herpes infection that has impacted the corneal endothelium part of the eye.

1. HSV Epithelial Keratitis

HSV epithelial keratitis refers to an eye herpes or HSV-1 infection that has impacted the epithelial cells in the cornea part of the eye. The cornea is the part of the eye that lights let in. The epithelial is the outer, surface layer of the cornea and helps to protect the internal structures. According to the Review of Optometry, symptoms of HSV epithelial keratitis include tearing, redness, pain and blurred vision. HSV epithelial keratitis is often treated with antiviral medications.

2. HSV Stromal Keratitis

HSV stromal Keratitis refers to an eye herpes or HSV-1 infection that affects the stroma part of the cornea, also known as the corneal stroma. The cornea is the clear window at the front of the eye that allows light in. The corneal stroma is a type of tissue that helps keep the shape of the cornea and provide transparency to let light in. Stromal keratitis means the stroma becomes inflamed. Stromal keratitis symptoms include blurry vision and sensitivity to light. Stromal keratitis can be treated with topical steroids and antiviral medication, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

3. HSV Endothelial Keratitis

HSV endothelial keratitis describes a condition in which the endothelial layer of the cornea becomes infected and in turn inflamed, due to eye herpes, or HSV-1. The endothelial layer of the cornea helps with the movement of fluid in the eye and helps give it transparency. Symptoms of HSV endothelial include eye pain, blurry vision and light sensitivity. Treatment may include topical steroids and antiviral medication.

What are the Causes of Eye Herpes?

The cause of eye herpes is usually HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus) type 1. People with HSV most often contract it as children, with or without symptoms. For some people, HSV-1 can remain inactive in the system without symptoms, or it will be triggered into activating in the body, leading to infections such as cold sores or eye herpes. HSV can be activated randomly, or triggered by changes in the body such as illness, periods and stress. The causes or triggers that can potentially lead to HSV activating in the body and causing eye herpes are listed below.

Illness: Being ill can cause eye herpes as illness leads to a low immune system, which may allow the virus to reactivate.
Periods: Hormonal changes that are experienced during the menstrual cycle, can trigger an eye herpes infection.
Stress: Stress may trigger eye herpes as stress can weaken the immune system, allowing HSV-1 to reactivate in the body.

1. Illness

Illness can cause eye herpes as being ill affects the immune system and general health of the body, allowing HSV-1, the virus that causes eye herpes, to reactivate in the body. Illness is defined as a disease or condition that affects the health of the body or the mind. Illnesses that affect the body often involve the immune system. The immune system helps the body combat illness and is a combination of cells, organs and tissues, according to the US National Cancer Institute. When someone becomes sick, the immune system actively tries to fight the pathogens that are causing the illness. Changes to the immune system and the body’s weaker overall state when ill, may trigger a reaction of HSV-1, which may lead to eye herpes. Illnesses that tend to reactivate HSV-1 include chest infections and the flu, according to the Victorian Government’s Better Health Channel.

2. Periods

Periods and the hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle may trigger the HSV-1 virus, in turn causing eye herpes. The term period refers to the stage of the menstrual cycle in which the uterus sheds its lining leading to a period of bleeding. During the menstrual cycle, the hormones in the body fluctuate from stage to stage, which can potentially activate the HSV-1 in the body, causing infections such as cold sores or eye herpes. If the body becomes run down or is put under strain due to menstruation, this may also trigger a reactivation of HSV-1.

3. Stress

Stress and the strain it causes the body can trigger the HSV-1 virus, in turn causing eye herpes. Stress refers to a feeling or reaction triggered by tension or pressure. Stress is a big concern in modern society, with stress triggers across daily life including work, finances, family and relationships. High levels of stress have been proven to have a negative effect on both mental and physical health, greatly straining the body. According to David A. Padgett et. al, in their paper Social stress and the reactivation of latent herpes simplex virus type 1, stress is thought to weaken functions of the immune system, which can lead to increased risk of illness, including HSV-1 reactivation. An immune system that is weakened by stress can lead to type 1 herpes to more easily reactivate in the body, leading to eye herpes.

What are the Symptoms of Eye Herpes?

The symptoms of eye herpes include eye pain, swelling around the eye, sensitivity to bright light, red eyes, blurred vision, discharge and tearing. Eye herpes is caused by type 1 HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus) or HSV-1, which is also the cause of cold sores. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, eye herpes is usually unilateral, meaning eye herpes will usually only affect one eye. The possible eye herpes symptoms are listed below.

Eye pain: Eye pain in or around the eye is a possible symptom of eye herpes due to irritation, inflammation and swelling that the virus causes.
Swelling around the eye: Eye herpes may cause swelling around the eye due to inflammation caused by the virus.
Sensitivity to bright light: Sensitivity to bright light may be a symptom of eye herpes if the virus is affecting the cornea, the part of the eye that lets light in.
Red eyes: The irritation caused by eye herpes may lead to red or bloodshot eyes.
Blurred vision: Symptoms of herpes in the eyes may include blurred vision in some cases. Blurred vision or any changes to vision should be assessed by a health care professional as soon as possible.
Discharge: Eye herpes can cause discharge from the eye which can be watery or mucous-like.
Tearing: The irritation caused by eye herpes, or the way it affects the lubrication of the eye, may lead to tearing.

1. Eye Pain

Eye pain can be a symptom of eye herpes, due to the irritation and inflammation caused by HSV-1. Eye pain refers to pain that occurs in or around the eye. Eye pain may develop as a symptom of eye herpes, due to the inflammation and irritation the virus causes in the eye. If you are experiencing eye pain, it is important to seek medical attention.

2. Swelling Around the Eye

Swelling around the eye is a possible symptom of eye herpes, caused by the inflammation of the herpes type 1 virus or HSV-1. Swelling around the eye refers to the areas around the eye, such as the eyelids and skin underneath the eye, appearing red or puffy. Swelling is the result of inflammation, according to the National Library of Medicine and Informed Medicine. Swelling around the eye can be a symptom of eye herpes as the infection may cause inflammation in and around the eye.

3. Sensitivity to Bright Light

Sensitivity to bright light can be a symptom of eye herpes if the virus has affected the cornea part of the eye. Sensitivity to bright light refers to a feeling of discomfort in the eye when looking at lights. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), eye herpes can affect the cornea, the clear window at the front of the eye that lets the eye in. If the cornea is affected by eye herpes, it may affect how this light is taken in and make someone more sensitive to light.

If you are experiencing sensitivity to bright light, it is important to seek medical attention.

4. Red Eyes

Red eyes are a common symptom of eye herpes, caused by irritation and inflammation as the virus infects the eye. Red eyes can refer to eyes that are red or bloodshot , usually showing up in the whites of the eyes, known as the sclera, or in the conjunctiva of the eye, which is the membrane that covers the whites of the eye and the inner eyelids. An eye herpes infection can cause inflammation and irritation, which may present in a reddening of the eyes.

5. Blurred Vision

Blurred vision may be a symptom of eye herpes, caused by irritation and inflammation in the eye, or by the virus affecting the cornea. Blurred vision refers to your sight becoming unclear or hazy. Blurred vision may be caused by the irritation and inflammation caused by the virus, or due to discharge obstructing vision. According to Havard Health, eye herpes can also affect the cornea, the window at the front of the eye that lets light in, by breaking down the front surface layer, which may also cause blurry vision.

If you are experiencing blurred vision, it is important to seek medical attention.

6. Discharge

Eye discharge is a possible symptom of eye herpes, caused by irritation and inflammation from the HSV-1 infection. Eye discharge is defined as fluids that are secreted from the eye, according to Health Direct. Eye discharge can be watery or more mucus and pus-based, however, discharge that is caused by eye herpes tends to be more watery in substance. Eye discharge during a case of eye herpes tends to be caused by the irritation and inflammation that HSV-1 can have whilst infecting the eye.

7. Tearing

Tearing can be a symptom of eye herpes, caused by the irritation the virus may cause the eye. Tearing eyes, sometimes called watery eyes, describes eyes that are constantly producing liquid or tears. The eyes may tear during a case of eye herpes, as the virus may be causing irritation including itchiness and burning in the eye, leading to the eye producing extra liquid. Inflammation of the eye during eye herpes may also interfere with the eyes’ natural lubrication, leading to tearing.

When do Eye Herpes Symptoms Usually Occur?

Eye herpes symptoms will occur when a person first catches HSV-1, the virus that causes the condition, or when HSV-1 that has been previously dormant in the body, is reactivated by triggers such as illnesses, periods and stress. Reactivation of the HSV-1 virus or a recurring eye herpes infection can include symptoms such as redness, a gritty feeling in the eye or light sensitivity, according to MSD Australia. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, primary eye herpes can be mistaken for conjunctivitis, or pink eye, as they share some of the same initial symptoms such as eye redness and discharge.

It is important to seek medical attention as soon as you have symptoms of pink eye or eye herpes so you can receive the appropriate care.

What are the Risk Factors for Eye Herpes?

The risk factors for eye herpes revolve around what causes a HSV-1 infection to be contracted or to reactivate in the body. Eye herpes is most often caused by type one HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus), which infects the body and can lay dormant until reactivated by triggers such as illnesses, menstruation or stress. Risk factors for eye herpes include factors that affect the immune system which may lead to a person contracting or triggering HSV-1 in the body. Risk factors for eye herpes include age, genetics, a weakened immune system and prolonged sun exposure. The risk factors for eye herpes are listed below.

Age: Young children are more likely to contract HSV-1 for the first time, known as a primary HSV-1 infection, as they are frequently exposed to other children and their close contacts that possibly have the virus. Children are also not as hygienic as adults, which may lead to the spread of HSV-1.
Genetics: Eye herpes is not a hereditary condition, however, there are certain genetic factors that may heighten the risk of HSV-1 being reactivated in the body, leading to eye herpes. According to the Edinburgh Medical School, a mutation of the IL28b gene may prevent the immune system from responding to the HSV-1 virus, leading to reactivation of the virus and in turn such eye herpes.
Weak immune system: A weak immune system is a risk factor for eye herpes as it is more likely that the HSV-1 virus will reactivate whilst the immune system is weakened or compromised. The immune system may be weak due to a number of factors such as illness, stress, therapies such as radiation or chemotherapy, and sometimes even menstruation.
Sun exposure: Studies have suggested that exposure to the sun and the UV radiation it emits, potentially heightens the risk of eye herpes reoccurring. According to Ludema C, Cole SR, Poole C, Smith JS, Schoenbach VJ, Wilhelmus KR in their study Association Between Unprotected Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure and Recurrence of Ocular Herpes Simplex Virus, people who spend 8 hours or more, outside in the sun when the UV index is high, are at a higher risk of eye herpes recurrence.

Do Eye Herpes Run in Families?

Eye herpes do not run in families, however, some studies have suggested that there are certain genetic factors that influence how a person’s immune system will respond to HSV-1, the virus that causes eye herpes and cold sores. According to Edinburgh Medical School, scientists have discovered that the mutation of the IL28b gene, may prevent the immune system from responding to the HSV-1 virus, leading to infections such as cold sores and eye herpes.

What is the Typical Age When Eye Herpes First Appears?

There is no typical age when eye herpes first appears as an active infection, as the virus that causes eye herpes, HSV-1, can enter the system and lay dormant and asymptomatic until triggered. However, the first time a person comes into contact and is initially infected with HSV-1 is usually during childhood.

What are the Eye Herpes Complications?

Eye herpes complications are usually minimal if the infection is treated in a timely manner. More serious cases of eye herpes that are left untreated may include scarring of the cornea, further infection and blindness. The possible eye herpes complications are listed below.

Scarring of the cornea: Severe and untreated cases of eye herpes can potentially scar the cornea, the window at the front of the eye that lets light in. This may lead to long-term blurry vision, according to the NHS.
Blindness: Extreme and untreated cases of eye herpes may lead to blindness.
Further infection: Eye herpes can leave the eye prone to other infections, according to Cedars Sinai, a Californian healthcare organisation.

If you are showing symptoms of eye herpes, it is important to get medical attention as soon as possible as this can be a serious vision issue.

How is Eye Herpes Diagnosed?

Eye herpes is diagnosed through an eye test conducted by a healthcare professional, either a doctor, an optometrist or an ophthalmologist. A healthcare professional will likely use a slit lamp microscope to diagnose eye herpes, which is a microscope that allows for in depth examination of the eye’s structure. Dye in the form of eye drops applied to the surface of the eye, may also be used in the diagnosing of eye herpes, as this allows a greater examination of the structures of the eye. Other laboratory tests can be conducted if further information on the HSV-1 virus is needed.

Where can you Seek Eye Herpes Diagnosis?

You can seek an eye herpes diagnosis from a healthcare professional, usually a doctor, an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

What are the Treatments Available for Eye Herpes?

The treatments available for eye herpes are dependent upon the severity of the infection and include surgery, artificial tears, antiviral medications, steroid eye drops, pain relievers and cold compresses. The treatments for eye herpes include those that help to minimise the virus that causes eye herpes, such as antiviral medications and those that help relieve symptoms of herpes in the eye, such as pain relievers. The treatments available for eye herpes are listed below.

Surgery: Surgery as a treatment for eye herpes is rare and used for severe cases in which there has been a significant impact to the cornea, and may include a corneal transplant. A healthcare professional may also scrape some of the infected cells of the eye to help the healing process.
Artificial tears: Artificial tears will not cure eye herpes, but can help in treating the symptoms of eye herpes such as dry eyes and irritation.
Antiviral medications: Antiviral medication, including ointments and oral tablets, are a common treatment for eye herpes and aim to tackle the viral infection causing the condition, helping to reduce the severity and longevity of symptoms.
Steroid eye drops: Steroid eye drops may treat eye herpes by helping to reduce inflammation.
Pain relievers: Pain relievers will not treat or get rid of eye herpes, but may help to treat the pain associated with the infection.
Cold compresses: Cold compresses will not cure eye herpes, but may help treat the symptoms associated with the infection such as irritated and inflamed eyes
HSV epithelial keratitis treatment: Treatment for epithelial keratitis caused by eye herpes may be oral or topical antiviral medication.
HSV stromal keratitis treatment: The treatment for stromal keratitis that has been caused by HSV-1 or an eye herpes infection, may include topical steroids and topical or oral antiviral medication.
HSV endothelial keratitis treatment: The available treatment for endothelial keratitis caused by a HSV-1 or eye herpes infection may be topical steroids and oral or topical antiviral medication.

It is important that you consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication to treat eye herpes.

1. Surgery

Surgery may be used to treat eye herpes if the infection is severe. Surgery is defined as a procedure in which something is repaired or removed, to help treat a disease, condition or injury. Surgery may be used as a treatment for eye herpes if the condition has become severe and affects the cornea. If the cornea, the window at the front of the eye that lets light in, has been greatly damaged to the point that function is affected, surgery may be used to help fix the issue, such as a corneal transplant. A healthcare professional may also undertake a procedure in which they scrape the cornea to help get rid of the affected cells and promote healing, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

2. Artificial Tears

Artificial tears are a type of eye drop that will not cure eye herpes, but may be used to treat the symptoms of eye herpes. Artificial tears are a type of liquid that are applied to the eyes via an eye dropper and aim to bring lubrication to the eye. Artificial tears will not cure eye herpes, but may help treat the symptoms associated with this condition such as dry eyes, irritated eyes or itchy eyes

3. Antiviral medication

Antivirals are a common treatment for eye herpes that will not cure the virus that is causing the infection, but may help to reduce how severe and how long the infection is. Antivirals are a type of medication that aim to combat viral infections by helping the immune system fight viruses that cause the infection, potentially helping to reduce symptoms and the length of infection. Antivirals are used as a treatment for eye herpes to help fight HSV-1, the virus that most often causes eye herpes. Antivirals will not cure the virus that causes eye herpes, as HSV-1 can not be cured, but they can help shorten how long and how severe the flare up of the virus is.

It is important that you consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication to treat eye herpes.

4. Steroid Eye Drops

Steroid eye drops may be used to treat eye herpes symptoms such as inflammation, but will not cure or fix the infection. Steroids are a type of medicine that help to reduce inflammation. Steroid eye drops are steroids that are applied to the surface of the eye via an eye dropper. Steroid eye drops may be used to treat eye herpes by reducing inflammation and in turn, helping to ease symptoms such as redness, swelling and irritation.

It is important that you consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication to treat eye herpes.

5. Pain Relievers

Pain relievers can be used in the treatment of eye herpes, as they may help to reduce pain associated with the condition. Pain relievers are a type of medication that aims to relieve pain. Pain relievers can include ibuprofen or paracetamol. Pain relievers will not cure eye herpes but may help to lessen some of the pain associated with the condition such as sore eyes.

It is important that you consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication to treat eye herpes.

6. Cold Compresses

Cold compresses may be used to help treat eye herpes by relieving some of the symptoms caused by this virus, including swollen and irritated eyes. A cold compress is a cool, wet piece of material, usually a face cloth, or an ice pack or cold pack, that is applied to the affected body part to relieve pain and swelling. If using an ice pack or cold pack, it is important to put a cloth or towel around the pack to protect your skin. A cold compress applied to a closed eyelid, may help relieve symptoms of eye herpes such as swelling and irritation, but will not cure the condition.

7. HSV Epithelial Keratitis Treatment

HSV epithelial keratitis treatment may include oral and topical antiviral medications. Antiviral medications are a type of medicine that helps the body fight viruses. Antivirals may be used to treat epithelial keratitis to help fight the HSV-1 or that caused the infection.

It is important that you consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication to treat eye herpes or keratitis of any kind.

8. HSV Stromal Keratitis Treatment

HSV stromal keratitis treatment includes topical steroids and oral or topical antiviral medication, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Oral antiviral medications are a type of medicine that help the body’s immune system fight viruses. Oral antivirals may be used to treat stromal keratitis to help fight the HSV-1 or eye herpes infection. Topical steroids are a type of medication that is applied to the affected areas to reduce inflammation. Steroids may be used in the treatment of stromal keratitis to reduce inflammation caused by the infection.

It is important that you consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication to treat eye herpes or keratitis of any kind.

9. HSV Endothelial Treatment

HSV stromal keratitis treatment includes topical steroids and antiviral medication. Topical steroids are a type of medication that is applied to a specific place on the body, that aims to reduce inflammation in that area. Steroids may be used in the treatment of stromal keratitis to reduce inflammation caused by the HSV-1, eye herpes infection. Antiviral medications are a type of medicine that help the body’s immune system fight viruses. Oral or topical antivirals may be used to treat endothelial keratitis to help combat HSV-1 and reduce the severity of the eye infection.

It is important that you consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication to treat eye herpes or keratitis of any kind.

Can Eye Drops Treat Eye Herpes

Yes, eye drops can help to treat eye herpes. Eye drops will not cure eye herpes, but may help alleviate the symptoms of the condition. Eye drops are a type of medication that is applied to the eye via an eye dropper. Eye drops to treat eye herpes may include antiviral eye drops and steroid eye drops. Antivirals are a type of medication that helps the immune systems fight off viruses, in the case of eye herpes, this virus is HSV-1. Steroid eye drops are used to help fight inflammation. Antiviral or steroid eye drops may be recommended by a healthcare professional to treat eye herpes.

It is important that you consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication to treat eye herpes.

How to Prevent Eye Herpes?

The ways to prevent eye herpes revolve around preventing the initial or primary infection with HSV-1 and also preventing the reactivation of the virus that leads to eye herpes. To help prevent infection with HSV-1, people can practise good hygiene such as limiting the sharing of personal items with people that have an active HSV-1 infection, such as eye herpes or cold sores. Personal items that may carry the eye herpes virus include contact lenses, makeup and towels. If a person already has the HSV-1 virus, which is a lifelong virus that stays within the body once contracted, prevention focuses on limiting outbreaks or reactivation of the virus. A person may help to prevent a reactivation of HSV-1 and in turn eye herpes, by undertaking lifestyle changes that promote a good immune system. Lifestyle changes that help maintain good immune system function, such as limiting stress, can help to prevent a flare up of eye herpes.

How Long will Eye Herpes Last?

Eye herpes tends to last for 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the severity of infection and how quickly treatment was sought. The HSV-1 virus that causes eye herpes is lifelong once contracted and can not be cured, however, it can be managed to prevent reactivation of the virus and in turn, eye herpes.

Do Eye Herpes Naturally Disappear?

The virus that causes eye herpes will not naturally disappear once a person is infected, as HSV-1 stays in the body. HSV-1 may be inactive and asymptomatic in the body until triggered, causing infections such as eye herpes or cold sores. It is strongly recommended that a person with eye herpes receive treatment to control the infection and reduce complications.

It is important to seek medical attention if you believe you have eye herpes.

Is Eye Herpes a Virus?

Yes, eye herpes is caused by a virus. The virus that causes eye herpes is the HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus), specifically HSV-1 or type one HSV.

Is Eye Herpes a Serious Problem?

Yes, eye herpes can be a serious problem if the infection is severe and not treated in a timely manner. Eye herpes is a common eye condition that can be resolved with minimal complication if treatment is swift and effective. However, eye herpes can have complications such as cornea scarring and blindness if the infection is severe and treatment is not given in a timely manner.

It is important that you seek immediate medical attention if you are displaying symptoms of eye herpes.

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