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Ophthalmoherpes: types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis and methods of therapy. Ocular herpes Herpes on the eyelid treatment during pregnancy

Ophthalmoherpes is damage to the cornea, eyeball and adjacent areas by herpetic infection. The causative agents of the virus remain for a long time in the tear ducts after treatment and often provoke repeated outbreaks of herpes in the eyes. The disease causes vision impairment. When ophthalmic herpes occurs by gravity, deep organs are damaged, which leads to surgical intervention or disability.

Ophthalmologists have adopted the following classification of ophthalmoherpes.

By pathogenesis:

primary;
recurrent.

Clinical and anatomical:

Anterior section:
- surface forms;
- deep forms.
Posterior section.

Causes of herpes in the eyes

The main causative agents of herpetic eye infections are:

HSV type 1 (provoker of colds on the lips).
HSV type 2 (causes genital herpes).
VZV type 3 (varicella and herpes zoster virus).

Less likely to provoke pathology:

HSV type 5 (cytomegalovirus that affects internal organs: kidneys, liver, lungs, heart).
HSV type 6 (accompanies roseola infantum).

The pathogenesis of the virus is represented by the introduction of its DNA into the cells of the body, where macroparticles of the pathogen multiply. The organs of vision are equipped with a good secretory function, which provides the lacrimal canal and epithelium with antibodies. But their effect weakens due to a general decrease in immunity. Ocular herpes enters through the outer layers and affects the cornea, leaving erosions. At this point, the active phase subsides, and herpes cells enter a latent existence in the lymph nodes and dermis.

There is also a congenital pathology of viral eye disease. Recurrence of the pathology in a pregnant woman is fraught with the transmission of the HSV virus to the fetus in the prenatal period.

Factors contributing to ophthalmoherpes include:

pregnancy, taking cytotoxic drugs, antibiotics, drugs that suppress the immune system;
weakened body defense;
active form of cold herpes, when the virus can be transmitted to the eyes through saliva;
damage to the purulent vesicle due to herpes and contact of the contents with the mucous membrane of the eye;
household form of infection through a towel, ophthalmic drops, glasses;
overheating in the sun;
hypothermia;
vaccinations (one of the causes of childhood ophthalmoherpes);
stress;
impaired or unbalanced nutrition.

At-risk groups

The herpes virus is present in an inactive state in the body of 90% of the population; potentially, every person can experience ophthalmoherpes. High probability of infection in:

pregnant women carriers of genital herpes;
newborns;
preschool children;
people who have undergone organ transplantation;
men, women, children with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of ophthalmoherpes

General manifestations of the herpes virus in the eyes:

redness and itching in the affected areas of the eye (photo);
corneal sensitivity;
swelling of damaged tissues;
conjunctivitis and blepharitis in chronic form;
violation of the structure of the integument; erosive damage to the ocular mucosa;
rashes, blisters and sores around the organs of vision;
seals on the upper and lower eyelids;
blurred vision;
blurred, distorted perception of objects.

The listed symptoms are accompanied by photophobia, dry eyes, frequent blinking, sometimes fever and depressed health.

Clinical forms are represented by pathology of the anterior and posterior sections. The anterior section is affected by superficial and deep changes.

Damage to the primary layers includes:

inflammation of the conjunctiva and eyelids;
damage to the corneal layer (keratitis) with blistering, merging of ulcers, deformation of the edges of damage to the cornea;
erosive manifestations;
inflammatory processes in the connective tissue of the sclera.

Profound changes are diagnosed:

metaherpetic keratitis with a wide area of corneal damage;
deep keratitis with opacities in the cornea, changes, swelling and accumulation of fluid in the corneal layer.

In the posterior part, changes appear in the retina, optic nerve, and vascular layers. These include:

retinochoroiditis - focal white formation in the retina;
uveitis – inflammation of the vascular layer;
neuritis – irritation of the optic nerve;
acute necrosis - death of the retina;
ischemic retinopathy - stagnation of blood in the eye.

Which doctor should I contact?

Herpes with superficial manifestations can easily be confused with allergies or conjunctivitis. Only an ophthalmologist will be able to conduct a routine examination and confirm or refute the viral nature of the pathology.

Diagnosis of ocular herpes

The choice of diagnosing the disease is determined by the course of the disease and symptoms:

Fluorescent antibody method according to Kasparov. MFA is based on the injection of serum with antibodies into the conjunctiva. An increase in the glow of the solution's antibodies is characterized by the degree of herpes infection.
Biomicroscopy. Allows you to see keratitis damage to the corneal layer, blistering formations turning into erosion.
Non-contact tonometry. It is a measurement of intraocular pressure, an increase in which is characteristic of the posterior type of herpetic lesion.
Ultrasound. Used for pathology of the posterior region of the eye, it allows identifying vascular changes and lens opacities.
Ophthalmoscopy. It is carried out when examining the fundus of the eye for changes in the shape of the retina and the occurrence of swelling of the cornea.
Visometry or visual acuity testing. The classic way to detect changes in visual abilities is carried out when the optic nerve is affected by herpes.
Gonioscopy. The goal is to measure the cornea-iris, the presence of inflammation, foreign bodies and neoplasms in ophthalmic herpes.
Blood test for lymphocytes to prescribe treatment.
Linked immunosorbent assay. An increase in type M immunoglobulins in the blood indicates a viral disease.
PCR method through a smear from the mucous membrane of the eye.

Treatment for herpetic eye lesions

Procedures to eliminate ophthalmoherpes are dictated by diagnostic results. If the anterior zone of the visual organ and surrounding areas are affected, then a complex of drugs is used. Posterior eye pathology may require surgery along with medications.

Drug therapy

Treatment includes:

Antispasmodics and decongestants.
Immunomodulators.
Antiviral drugs.
Vaccination against herpes virus.

Immunomodulatory drugs are aimed at increasing the body's resistance to viruses. These include interferon inducers (Amiksin, Cycloferon) and immunoglobulins (Interlock). Amiksin (price from 600 rubles) and Cycloferon are prescribed in tablets and injections; they have a minimum number of contraindications. Interlock for eyes comes in drops. It restores the cell membrane and builds protection against the virus.

Antiviral agents for external use are creams, ointments and drops. Ointment (price from 20 to 100 rubles) is recommended with a 3% content of active substance, which is safe if it comes into contact with the mucous membrane. Fenistil Pencivir cream copes better with relapses, unlike Acyclovir, and is strictly applied to the eyelid. Oftalmoferon drops are prescribed in combination with ointments to prevent damage to the corneal layer of the eye. Viferon is prescribed to children.

Trifluorothymidine drops are safe and non-toxic. Ophthalmologists recommend them for their gentle and targeted action. Apply every hour, but in dosage due to possible damage to the retina. The price is within 300 rubles.

The tablet form of antiviral drugs is represented by Valtrex, Valvir, Zovirax (price about 500 rubles). Valvir is used to treat childhood herpes.

If necessary, symptomatic medications are added to the main treatment.

Painkillers are based on lidocaine, novocaine, atropine and reduce the unpleasant symptoms of herpes: burning, itching, pain, and also suppress swelling.
In case of acute damage with a possible bacterial nature, antibiotics are used.
Necrosis of tissue of the visual organ is treated with glucocorticosteroids, which are responsible for the regeneration of the epithelium.
Ocular herpes, accompanied by intraocular pressure, is treated with antihypertensive medications.
An integrated approach requires excluding possible allergies, so antihistamines Suprastin, Tavegil, Zyrtec are added.

Vaccination is carried out in the absence of complicated herpes 2 times a year.

How to get rid of eye herpes using folk remedies?

Traditional medicine recipes can be combined either in combination with drug therapy or independently.

Effective infusions for the eyes:

From lungwort. 2 tbsp. l. herbs are brewed in 500 ml of boiling water and left for 2 hours. The resulting infusion is used to wash the eyes for 2 weeks.
From arnica. Take 1 arnica inflorescence per glass of boiling water and brew for 2 hours. Make compresses from the resulting product and wash the eyes every 2 hours.

To increase overall immunity, drink chamomile and rosehip teas, add honey and lemon.

In addition to medicinal treatments, physiotherapy in the form of UHF is used to heal sores.

Complications of ophthalmic herpes

The following factors can aggravate the course of the disease:

mistaking pathology for another disease, for example, conjunctivitis;
refusal of examination and cytological tests;
incorrect diagnosis;
incorrectly formulated treatment.

This provokes the transition of eye herpes into a chronic form, which is dangerous:

Deterioration of vigilance and clarity of vision.
Decreased organ acuity.
Periodic pain in the eye area.
Chronic dry eye syndrome.

Acute lesions of the vascular layers and optic nerve with herpes can develop cataracts and glaucoma. Cases of complete loss of vision and disability are common.

Congenital herpetic infection causes exudation into the fundus and vitreous body. Affecting the blood vessels provokes perivasculitis. The neonatal period is accompanied by conjunctivitis, developing into neuritis and necrosis of the layers of the eye.

Prevention

Basic measures to prevent the appearance of ocular herpes:

avoid contact with an infected person or affected areas of the body;
treatment of the birth canal of a woman in labor who is a carrier of genital herpes;
applying antiviral ointment to the eyes of a newborn if there is no information about the health status of the pregnant woman;
taking immunomodulators and multivitamins;
vaccination for secondary diseases;
hardening procedure and physical education.

Data Apr 20 ● Comments 0 ● Views

Doctor Maria Nikolaeva

Herpes on the eyelid occurs in only 2-3% of cases of all herpetic lesions. However, it is precisely this localization of rashes affecting the skin area 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, it is necessary to learn more about the causes of the infection, as well as effective ways to treat it.

How to treat herpes on eyelids

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

Important! If rashes appear on your eyelids, under no circumstances should you run straight to the pharmacy for antiviral drugs! First of all, you need to contact an ophthalmologist. Rashes with molluscum contagiosum can be similar to herpetic ones. A non-specialist cannot make a differential diagnosis between these two diseases. But the tactics of treating diseases are different.

Treatment tactics consist of the use of the following medications:

antiviral;
immunomodulators;
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
antiseptic solutions for treating affected areas.

Herpes on the eye is an infectious disease of the organs of vision that occurs due to pathogenic microflora entering the mucous membrane of the eye. Herpes is a virus that, once it enters the body, remains in the blood forever, and it is not possible to get rid of it. The disease may not make itself felt for a long time, but once the immune system weakens, the virus will begin to manifest itself. The rash can occur on any part of the body where there are mucous membranes: on the lips, genitals, in the eye.

What are the reasons for the appearance

Since the virus, once it enters the body, remains there forever, there are a number of factors that provoke the rapid growth of the virus:

Herpes is a virus that can be transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person in various ways. Pathogenic microflora is transmitted by air and droplets, during intimate intimacy without the use of protective equipment, and when sharing household items with an infected person. It is enough to wipe your face with a towel that was previously used by a person with the virus in the blood to become infected. For this reason, it is strictly forbidden to let any stranger use your household items, especially cosmetics.

There is also a congenital form of the disease.

The route of infection is vertical, which means that the disease is transmitted to the child from an infected mother during childbirth. The appearance of herpes on the organs of vision may occur due to the presence of this virus on other organs. Often the person himself is to blame for the development of ocular herpes due to failure to observe personal hygiene rules. It often happens that if there is herpes on the lips and when topical drugs are applied to it, a person then does not wash his hands, and when applying makeup or scratching the eye, the virus is transferred to the organ of vision, provoking the appearance of the disease on the cornea, under the eye, on the eyelid .

How does the disease manifest itself?

Signs of the disease depend on which part of the eye the pathogenic virus appears in. In addition to acute symptoms during infection, pain and discomfort are also present during healing. Ocular herpes (ophthalmoherpes) has the following general symptoms:

the appearance of bubbles;
erosive plaque;
crust formation;
burning;
tingling feeling;
redness of the eyelid;
spread of bubbles and crusts beyond the eye - onto the forehead, cheeks;
swelling of the eyelids;
hemorrhage;
pain;
cloudiness of the pupil.

Herpes of the eye is divided into the following types: herpes zoster, follicular, catarrhal, vesicular ulcerative. Each form of the disease has its own special features of the course and symptomatic picture. Herpes zoster on the eye, the symptoms of which differ in their intensity, are manifested by a gradual increase in pain not only in the eye, but also in the tissues surrounding the organ of vision.

This is due to the fact that when pathogenic microflora spreads, the trigeminal nerve is affected.

In addition to pain, the patient experiences an increase in body temperature and general health worsens. Bubbles that appear on the mucous membrane of the eye, on the eyelids, are filled with a transparent liquid. The shingles spread to the forehead, eyebrows, and herpes appears under the eye. There is an increase in nearby lymph nodes. Shingles type of the disease, in most cases, affects only one side.

Follicular herpes is characterized by a slow increase in the intensity of the symptomatic picture. The eyes gradually turn red, and a small amount of fluid is released from the corners. Symptoms such as fever, general weakness, itching and burning are absent. Catarrhal ophthalmoherpes symptoms are more aggressive and are characterized by the rapid spread of the virus around the eye. Glasuvesicular-ulcerative herpes has the standard symptoms for this virus - blisters with contents, itching, crust formation.

Possible complications

Herpes on the eyelid, despite the widespread spread of the virus and the large number of infected people, is a rather dangerous disease, which without timely treatment can cause the development of severe eye pathologies. One of the diseases caused by the herpes virus is keratitis. This ophthalmological disease manifests itself in the form of severe redness of the eye, swelling, and the spread of herpes lesions. Keratitis complicated by herpes leads to decreased sensitivity of the cornea. Keratitis against the background of herpes is expressed in the rapid spread of vesicles located on the nerve endings of the cornea of the eye.

With the development of a disease, the treatment of which is delayed by the patient himself, trying to use medications, it can provoke another complex eye disease - iridocyclitis, which, depending on the severity of the symptomatic picture, occurs in acute and subacute forms. It is necessary to treat iridocyclitis immediately, since the disease quickly degenerates into a chronic, sluggish condition. Iridocyclitis, complicated by ocular herpes, has symptoms such as severe acute pain, rapid growth of blisters with serous contents. Herpes and iridocyclitis have an extremely negative effect on vision, which rapidly declines if a person does not seek medical help in a timely manner.

In cases where the treatment of ophthalmoherpes was incorrect or incomplete, there is a high probability of developing such a dangerous pathology of the visual organs as necrosis (death) of the retina. Retinal necrosis due to herpes eye disease most often occurs in people with a pathologically weakened immune system in the presence of HIV or AIDS.

Signs of the disease are a sudden decrease in visual acuity up to its complete loss; first, the pathology affects 1 eye, and therefore spreads to the second.

Multiple inflammatory foci appear, which over time lead to rapid detachment of the retina, and an infiltrate of the glass body of the eye occurs. Without timely medical care, retinal necrosis with herpes leads to complete loss of vision.

Diagnostic methods

Possible complications of the visual organs that arise due to the development of ocular herpes are caused by the fact that patients do not consult a doctor on time, preferring treatment with folk remedies. Only a doctor can prescribe effective treatment based on the type of disease, the severity of its symptomatic picture and the depth of damage to the mucous membrane. For this purpose, comprehensive diagnostics are carried out.

First of all, the patient is examined by a doctor. It is not difficult for a doctor to make a diagnosis of herpes based on the present symptomatic picture.

The presence of blisters with liquid contents, burning, itching and pain are pronounced signs of ocular herpes.

To clarify the type of pathological process, the presence of possible complications in the early stages of development and the depth of damage to the visual organs by the virus, a number of medical tests are performed and various diagnostic techniques are used.

Visometry is a diagnostic method that allows you to detect the cause of vision loss and diagnose retinal necrosis in the early stages of the development of the pathological process. Biomicroscopy with staining - the introduction of a special dye, fluorescein, allows you to identify the depth of damage to the mucous membrane.

To identify foci with infectious pathogenic flora, which may be located under the mucous membrane and affect the fundus of the eye, an eye examination using a Goldmann lens is used.

Eye herpes, which spreads to both eyes at the same time, may not have specific symptoms at the initial stages, and therefore it can be confused with a number of other infectious eye diseases, in particular, conjunctivitis, therefore, without a thorough diagnosis and laboratory tests, it is quite difficult to quickly and effectively cure herpes . To determine the type of pathogenic microflora that caused the symptomatic picture, a blood test is performed to determine the concentration of leukocytes and erythrocytes, indicating the severity of the inflammatory process.

The most effective diagnostic method for determining herpes on the eye is virology, a technique for growing a pathogenic virus on chicken eggs or on specially created nutrient media. Despite the maximum information content of this laboratory analysis, it has 2 disadvantages - high cost and long waiting time for results (3 weeks).

Features of treatment

Before treating herpes on the eye, it is necessary to undergo a thorough diagnosis, the results of which will help the ophthalmologist select effective medications. To relieve painful and unpleasant symptoms, local spectrum medications - ointments - are prescribed. Advantage in the treatment of clinical manifestations of herpes is given to Acyclovir ointment. You can use it for no more than 14 days; if during this time there is no improvement in your well-being, you must tell your doctor to change the drug.

In order to dry the bubbles with liquid contents, it is recommended to use dyes - brilliant green, iodine, fucorcin.

With a pronounced symptomatic picture and severe pain, which is observed with herpes zoster, a blockade is performed. The patient is prescribed anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. To speed up the healing of moist herpes blisters and normalize the patient’s general condition, physiotherapy procedures are prescribed - ultraviolet irradiation, UHF.

Treatment of ocular herpes is complex and lengthy and should only be carried out under the supervision of a doctor. Even if this is not the first time that a person has had ocular herpes, and he is already relatively familiar with what needs to be done, diagnosis and consultation with a doctor is mandatory. Frequent ocular herpes increases the risk of complications. Along with suppressing the pathogenic virus and carrying out symptomatic therapy, the patient is prescribed immunostimulating medications to increase the protective functions of the immune system and reduce the likelihood of relapses in the future.

Herpes under the eyes, the treatment of which does not give a positive result during the first two weeks, requires treatment with antibiotics, which are prescribed individually, depending on the type of pathogenic flora.

In case of infection of the cornea by a virus, antibiotics are prescribed immediately.

Children are treated differently. Antibiotics are prescribed to young patients only in the case of a pronounced symptomatic picture and a high risk of complications. In the early stages of development of ocular herpes, children are prescribed the drugs Viferon (suppository form) and Oftalmoferon (eye drops). To achieve the fastest results, these drugs are used in complex therapy. The dosage and methods of use in a child are prescribed by the attending physician. It is strictly forbidden to choose eye drops on your own to treat ocular herpes.

Prevention measures

To reduce the risk of relapse, it is enough to follow simple preventive measures, which are mostly aimed at restoring the protective functions of the immune system.

You need to dress only for the weather, excluding hypothermia - the main factor that provokes the appearance of herpes in the eyes and other parts of the body. Avoid stress, mechanical and chemical injuries to the eyes. Adequate rest, both moral and physical, is the key to preventing the herpes virus from developing. How to treat ocular herpes? Doctors recommend that people infected with the herpes virus regularly undergo vaccination to reduce the risk of recurrence of herpes. This method of prevention is especially useful in the autumn-winter period, when, due to a lack of vitamins and insufficient sunlight, the protective functions of the immune system are reduced. A course of preventive vaccine is carried out 2 times a year. The essence of the technique is the intradermal administration of a herpes vaccine.

It is necessary to seek medical help when the first signs of lip herpes appear. Patients who have repeatedly encountered this disease are able to identify the initial symptoms - a slight feeling of discomfort, the appearance of frequent itching in the eyes.

Ocular herpes is a dangerous ophthalmological disease, which, in addition to painful, unpleasant symptoms, can lead to very serious consequences.

Despite the high probability of relapse, it is possible to prolong remission as much as possible. Prevention is simple: do not overcool, treat infectious diseases in a timely manner, monitor the state of the immune system and carefully observe hand and face hygiene, avoid bodily and close contact with infected people who have an acute stage of ocular herpes.

Herpes in the eyes must be treated so that new rashes appear as rarely as possible.

Herpes in the eyes is a consequence of random circumstances. You can bring it in only if hygiene is not observed, and also if you have a bad habit: if your eyelids are dry, rub with a finger dipped in your own saliva, when there is an active virus in the mucous membrane.

The routes of infection are almost always contact, with the exception of severe internal herpes. With this type of virus, it can be released from mucous membranes, tears, or when coughing.

How does a virus affect the eye?

The symptoms of herpes on the eyelids have an unflattering appearance, which appears as a result of the action of a simple type of virus. It gets into the eyes when the infection spreads from bursting blisters on the body. Failure to follow simple rules leads to the appearance of a rash on the eyelids.

Recurrence of the rash usually occurs on the skin of the face, where there is high humidity. It is more difficult for the virus to take root on dry skin. The lips have such a favorable environment, where a bubble often forms, popularly called a cold. Over time, the infected fluid leaves the area of inflammation and a situation develops where infection of surrounding and healthy areas of the skin can occur.

Eye herpes is most common in children due to inattention to hand hygiene. Since the infection can survive in the air for a long time, infection becomes possible through household items, towels, and sheets. Therefore, it is always recommended to use only your own personal hygiene items.

To partially remove eye symptoms, use drops with an antiviral agent and ointments for the eyelids around the eyelids. Treatment is aimed only at completely eliminating external manifestations.

Internal herpes hides deep in the nerve cell of the spine and cannot be killed. When the recurrent form is activated, a shift of the area of inflammation to the lip area is observed.

How does the virus behave during various forms of infection?

There are 4 types of herpes you can accidentally get into your eyes:

cytomegalovirus;
simple types: the first type and having rashes in the genital area;
shingles.

These conditions need to be treated immediately when the first symptoms are noticed. Complications are observed on the cornea of the eye. Untreated keratitis can spread inside the organ, after which it is useless to treat the disease with drops - a surgical method will be required. Advanced stages of the inflammatory process threaten disturbances in the functioning of the eye or partial blindness.

Symptoms of herpes in the eye begin as a violent allergic reaction. The patient begins to use the appropriate drops. He carries out the treatment without knowing the true nature of the origin of the redness; at this stage, specific bubbles do not form along the edge of the eyelids.

Based on these neoplasms, the ophthalmologist determines the symptoms of herpes and, together with a dermatovenerologist, begins to treat the viral form of the disease. In order to prevent advanced stages of the virus, it is important to consult a doctor in time at the first manifestations of inflammation in the eyes.

Treatment begins after detecting the first symptoms of herpes in the eyes:

blurred vision;
feeling of sand in the eyeball;
redness of the skin: eyelids, eyebrows;
loss of clarity when changing day and night;
pain when the eyelids are fully open;
small blistering rash around the edge of the eyes.

The activity of herpes is accompanied by an increase in body temperature, a general decline in well-being, and nervousness. Redness of the eyes occurs when the body's defenses decrease; in a healthy person, the symptoms are less pronounced.

After using antiviral drugs, the malaise immediately subsides, so you can check the infectious nature of the disease.

Patients complain of periodic pain in bright light and sudden onset of convulsions of the visual organ.

In case of relapse, changes occur in the tissues of the eye. The initial moment of inflammation is characterized by damage to the cornea and sclera. In more advanced stages, if the virus is not treated, a negative effect occurs on deeper layers: the optic nerve, the retina. Blurred vision occurs in severe forms of the disease.

In the acute phase of exacerbation, herpes can provoke diseases of the visual organ:

conjunctivitis;
blepharoconjunctivitis;
erosion effects on the cornea;
keratitis, neuritis - effects on the optic nerve;
inflammation of the choroid, uveitis;
retinochoroiditis manifests itself as the appearance of a cloudy spot in the field of vision;
perivasculitis;
pathological changes in the tissues of the retina and conjunctiva, episcleritis;
serous retinopathy;
formation of blood accumulations in the retina.

From the consequences described above, you can see that a minor rash on the eyes in the future may result in an expensive operation. Symptoms of herpes should alert the sick person; as preventive measures, you should visit an ophthalmologist and dermatovenerologist. Based on the results of the examinations, individual treatment will be selected.

Similar symptoms of inflammation of the visual organ do not make it possible to immediately draw the correct conclusion. Treatment should be chosen taking into account a complete examination of the body.

An ophthalmologist verifies the cause of problems in the visual organ as a result of a herpetic infection. An examination is carried out using a slit lamp to identify specific changes in the cornea that are characteristic of the effects of the virus. Such manifestations include: erosion, vascular dilatation, blood stagnation.

Antibody analysis using immunofluorescence reaction. A scraping from the site of inflammation of the eye tissue is taken as a biomaterial. An examination using fluorescent antibodies is also carried out. For diagnostics, a fluorescent microscope containing an ultraviolet source is used.

For quantitative determination, enzyme immunoassay is used. The patient is examined at intervals of 12 days. The amount of IgM and IgG antibodies is counted. These indicators are used to control the period of inflammation.

A complete diagnosis during the period of illness will help to avoid long-term treatment for damage to the visual organ. Hidden carriage of herpes may appear after several years, so constant monitoring is needed.

How to contain the virus and avoid inflammation of the visual organ?

Treatment of herpes is carried out in several directions with the simultaneous administration of antiviral drugs and maintaining immunity. To reduce the effect of the virus on the eyes, anti-inflammatory drops are prescribed. Skin rashes are eliminated with local medications.

Deep eye pathologies need to be treated surgically, laser, neurotomy or keratoplasty. Ophthalmology eliminates the consequences of the influence of herpes, and the symptoms of the source of the disease are extinguished together with an immunologist. To eliminate residual effects, painkillers and anti-edema agents are used.

Among the effective drugs are:

vidarabine ointment, acyclovir, panavir;
drops: trifluorothymidine, oftan IDU;
tablets: Valtrex, Florental, Bonafton;
immunostimulants: geneferon, interferons, valvir, interlock and reaferon.

Herpes in the eyes should be treated together with a doctor; an advanced disease can have unpleasant consequences for health.

Why does herpes occur near the eye? The causes of this disease will be discussed below. We will also present the symptoms of ophthalmoherpes and medications that treat this disease.

general information

Herpes (this pathology occurs rarely on the eyelid) is a viral disease. It is characterized by a rash of blisters (grouped) on the mucous membranes and skin.

The name of the term in question is of Greek origin. Translated into Russian, it means “creeping” or “rapidly spreading skin disease.”

Description of the disease

The herpes virus does not appear in the eyes as often as, for example, on the lips, in the nasal mucosa or on the genitals. At the same time, this disease is very difficult.

In addition to the listed parts of the body, the herpes virus can infect the central nervous system, which will cause the development of meningitis and encephalitis. Internal organs are also susceptible to this disease.

Types of viruses

Herpes that appears under the eye belongs to the first type. Also, the herpes simplex virus can affect the lips, nose and other skin areas.

In the second type of this disease, the genital areas are affected.

There are also varicella zoster virus (3 types). appears on the human body. As for such a childhood disease as chickenpox, it is observed throughout the body.

Epstein-Barr virus belongs to the fourth type. It causes an infectious disease such as mononucleosis.

Cytomegalovirus is a type 5 disease.

Causes

Why does herpes occur on the eye (treatment of this disease will be presented below)? There is a lot of debate on this matter. It is not possible to name any one reason for the occurrence of such unpleasant rashes. This is because herpes can occur due to a number of different factors.

Experts say that the virus in question is present in the body of all people. Moreover, for the time being, the human immune system resists this disease. A virus that gets onto the mucous membrane of the eye spreads very rarely. This is due to the fact that the visual organs are capable of independently producing interferon, that is, proteins secreted by tissue cells in response to the invasion of harmful bacteria.

It should also be noted that the tissues of the eye are protected by so-called immunoglobulins, which are contained in the tear fluid. Herpes on the eyes, the symptoms of which will be described below, may not appear for a long time and “sleep” in the nerve ganglia.

If for one reason or another the human immune system is noticeably weakened, then the herpes virus begins to actively strengthen and manifest itself in the form of ophthalmic herpes.

Thus, we can safely note that the main and main reason for the development of the disease in question is reduced immunity. In connection with the above, the question arises: why does the human immune system fail so much? Doctors say that a decrease in the body’s defenses occurs in response to the following situations:

If one of these factors contributes to a decrease in immunity, then the herpes virus, which has been “dormant” until this moment, “wakes up” and then appears on the surface of the skin or mucous membrane in the form of grouped blisters.

It should be especially noted that this variant of the development of the disease is called endogenous. There is also an exogenous route. It is characterized by infection directly through herpetic vesicles. As you know, they contain liquid that contains viruses in high concentrations. Once on the skin or mucous membrane of the eyes, immediate infection occurs.

This path is especially typical for young children who are constantly in contact with each other.

Signs of illness

How does herpes manifest itself in the eyes? The symptoms of this disease are quite difficult to miss. Although in some cases it is confused with an allergy or a disease that is of bacterial origin (for example, conjunctivitis, blepharitis or bacterial keratitis).

It should be noted that all of the listed pathological conditions, however, like ophthalmoherpes, are accompanied by the following symptoms:

redness of the eyelid and eye;
photophobia;
soreness;
impaired visual acuity and distortion;
lacrimation.

It should also be said that local symptoms of a viral disease can be supplemented by general ones, including headache, swollen lymph nodes, nausea and elevated body temperature.

Specific symptoms

So how to identify herpes on the eye, which should only be treated by an experienced doctor? This disease also has specific symptoms. These include the following:

unbearable itching and burning of the skin on the eyelids, as well as around the eyes;
the presence of fluid-filled blisters that burst and ulcerate.

Forms of ophthalmoherpes

The disease in question is distinguished by a huge number of manifestations. However, symptoms during relapses can vary quite significantly.

Experts distinguish the following forms of ocular herpes (depending on the damage to the tissues of the visual organs):

With this disease, the conjunctiva is affected, that is, a thin film of epithelium that covers the inside of the eyelids and the eyeball. As a rule, this lesion is accompanied by redness of the entire eye.
Keratitis. This is a disease characterized by damage to the cornea, on which viral vesicles appear.
Blepharo-conjunctivitis. Unlike herpetic conjunctivitis, an inflammatory process is added to the damage to the conjunctiva, as well as the formation of blisters on the eyelids and along the eyelash line. Rashes can even appear on the inner surface of the eyelids. Usually this causes severe lacrimation, as well as sharp pain in the eye.
Keratoiridocyclitis is an inflammation of the cornea, which is accompanied by damage to blood vessels in the visual organ. This form of the disease is the most severe. It is very difficult to cure. In this case, keratoiridocyclitis repeats again and again.

Diagnosis of the disease

How to cure herpes on the eye? Treatment for this disease should be prescribed by an ophthalmologist. However, the disease must first be correctly diagnosed. This is due to the fact that the symptoms of this pathological condition are very often confused with signs of other abnormalities.

To diagnose ocular herpes, the patient must consult an ophthalmologist. The doctor is required to examine the patient using a slit lamp. This study allows us to identify ulcerations and other lesions of the cornea, as well as inflammatory processes in the eye vessels.

Also, in stationary conditions, cells are scraped from the affected skin or mucous membrane. It will be further studied through

Another way to diagnose the disease in question is to detect whether a person has antibodies to the virus.

All of the above diagnostic methods are used only for damage to the blood vessels and cornea of the eye. As for herpetic lesions of the mucous membrane of the visual organs and the skin of the eyelids, it is noticeable even without examination.

Herpes on the eyelids is characterized by rashes (usually multiple) in the form of small blisters filled with lymph, that is, liquid that becomes cloudy over time. These blisters are very painful and itchy. Scratching the rashes will spread them further.

Ophthalmoherpes: treatment

How should ocular herpes be treated? According to experts, the type of treatment for such a disease depends on its form. If the virus has affected only superficial tissues, then medications are used that relieve discomfort in the visual organs, as well as suppress the activity of herpes.

There are 4 types of medications on the pharmaceutical market that are used for the complex treatment of ophthalmoherpes. These include the following:

immunomodulatory agents;
antiviral (for example, Zovirax ointment);
specific immunotherapy drugs (for example, herpes vaccine);
symptomatic medications, including decongestants, painkillers, vitamins, etc.

If the virus affects the deeper tissues of the eye, the patient undergoes surgery. Types of operations such as coagulation, keratoplasty and others allow you to localize or remove the affected areas.

Antiviral agents

How to eliminate herpes on the eye? Treatment of this disease is most often carried out. For this, special forms of drugs are used that are not capable of irritating the mucous membrane of the visual organs.

To suppress the excessive activity of the herpes virus, doctors recommend using eye drops and ointments. Also, for systemic exposure, patients are often prescribed antiviral injections and tablets.

What medications are most effective in treating ophthalmoherpes? Experts highlight the following drugs:

"Acyclovir". For eye damage, the medication in question is used in the form of oral tablets, as well as a local ointment.
"Valacyclovir." For the treatment of ocular herpes, this drug is used in tablet form.
Zovirax is an antiviral eye ointment that is very effective against herpes simplex viruses. After its use, the active substance of the drug is immediately absorbed by the periocular tissues and the corneal epithelium. As a result, such a concentration of the drug is formed in the intraocular fluid that is necessary for active suppression of the virus.
“Oftan-IDU”, “Idoxuridine” - these drugs are specifically designed for the treatment of ophthalmoherpes. They are produced in the form of drops that contain an analogue of thymine. The medication in question prevents the virus from multiplying and also suppresses its activity. For best effectiveness, drops must be instilled every hour. However, with prolonged use they can cause damage to the cornea.
"Trifluorothymidine" is a drop similar to "Oftan-IDU". However, it should be noted that they have a less toxic effect.
"Riodoxol", "Tebrofen", "Bonafton" - all of these drugs are in the form of an ointment. They can be applied to the skin of the eyelids, and also placed inside the eye.
"Vidarabine" is an effective gel against ophthalmoherpes. It is applied to the conjunctiva 5 times a day.

Eye drops "Ophthalmoferon": instructions

Which antiviral drug is most effective against ocular herpes? Experts say that these are Ophthalmoferon drops. Their price is about 300 rubles, so almost anyone can purchase such a product.

The medication in question contains diphenhydramine and interferon alpha-2a. It is produced in polymer dropper bottles, which are placed in cardboard packs.

Antiviral drops for lacrimation "Ophthalmoferon" have a wide spectrum of action. In addition to anti-inflammatory properties, this drug exhibits immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, local anesthetic and regenerating effects.

For what indications is the medication in question prescribed to patients? According to the instructions, it is used for:

adenoviral, ;
hemorrhagic, adenoviral and herpetic conjunctivitis;
hepertic stromal keratitis without ulceration and with ulceration of the cornea;
herpetic uveitis;
herpetic and adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis;
herpetic keratouveitis (without and with ulceration).

As for contraindications, this product has virtually none. These drops cannot be used only if you are individually intolerant to their components.

How should the drug "Ophthalmoferon" be used? The dosage of this topical medication should be determined by an ophthalmologist. In the acute stage, it is instilled into the affected eye, 1-2 drops up to 7-8 times a day. As soon as the inflammatory process begins to stop, the number of instillations is reduced to 2-3 times a day.

The course of treatment with this drug is determined by the doctor. As a rule, the use of the medicine is continued until the symptoms of the disease disappear completely.

Prevention of ocular herpes

The main set of preventive actions for ophthalmoherpes should be aimed at interrupting the transmission routes of the virus. Thus, a person needs to avoid close contact with the patient, not use the same dishes, towels and cosmetics with him, and also carefully observe the rules of personal hygiene in the presence of other forms of herpes.

As for pregnant women infected with genital herpes, they are prescribed special treatment, and then undergo intensive treatment of the birth canal in order to avoid infecting the baby as it passes through it.

If herpes occurs too often, then vaccination is carried out using a special anti-herpetic solution. It is also administered to the patient under close medical supervision.

To prevent the possible development of the virus, potential patients should definitely adjust their diet. In addition, during cold season they need to take multivitamins. The patient is also indicated for physical exercise and hardening procedures, which will improve immunity and therefore prevent the appearance of rashes.