Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) of the Eye

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) of the Eye

  • Overview
  • Appointments
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatments
  • Locations
  • Doctors

    • What is Herpes Simplex Virus?

    Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common virus that can affect the skin, mucous membranes, and nerves as well as the eyes. When HSV involves your eye, the cornea is most commonly affected.

    What causes Herpes Simplex Virus?

    There are two major types of herpes simplex virus (HSV). Type I is the most common and is usually responsible for the familiar "cold sore" or "fever blister," as well as herpes simplex eye disease. Type II is usually responsible for sexually-transmitted herpes. An overwhelming majority of adults have contracted HSV Type I even if they have never had symptoms of infection. The virus lives in nerves and can intermittently activate, causing symptoms. 

    Herpes simplex eye disease occurs when the virus or a reaction against it occurs in one of the ocular structures. Inflammation and infection at one of the anatomic levels of the cornea is most common. Usually, only one eye is involved (and it can recur), often without typical skin lesions. Spreading the infection to another person is unlikely and sexual transmission of herpes eye disease is extremely rare. The infection varies in duration, severity, and response to treatment, depending on which part of the eye is involved.

    Appointment Information

    To schedule an appointment, please call 734-764-5106.

    What are the symptoms of Herpes Simplex Virus of the Eye?

    Herpes simplex eye disease can have many symptoms, including:

    • Decreased vision
    • Pain or foreign body sensation of the eye
    • Eye redness
    • Light sensitivity
    • Blisters or ulcers of the eyelids

    The symptoms described above may not necessarily mean that you have herpes simplex. However, if you have a history of herpes simplex eye disease or experience one or more of these symptoms, contact your ophthalmologist for a complete exam.

    How is Herpes Simplex Virus of the Eye diagnosed?

    Herpes simplex usually can be diagnosed by a routine exam with a physician. If a HSV rash is present near the eye, or if you have any of the above eye symptoms, you should see your ophthalmologist to rule out viral activity in the eye. Special imaging or other testing is rarely necessary.

    How is Herpes Simplex Virus of the Eye treated?

    Oral or topical antiviral medications are commonly used to treat herpes simplex eye disease. At times, it may be necessary to scrape the surface of the cornea, to patch the eye, or to use a variety of medications, including steroid eye drops, to control the infection and inflammation. It is important to consult your ophthalmologist before beginning any treatment since some medications may actually worsen the disease. In the case of severe corneal scarring with vision loss, a corneal transplant may offer a chance to improve vision.

    Locations
    • Cornea & Refractive Surgery Clinic | Kellogg Eye Center 1000 Wall St
      Elevator B Floor 3
      Ann Arbor, MI 48105-1912       Get Directions
    • Ophthalmology Clinic | Brighton Center for Specialty Care 7500 Challis Rd
      Entrance 1, Level 2
      Brighton, MI 48116-9416       Get Directions
    • Ophthalmology Clinic | Chelsea Health Center 14700 E Old US Highway 12
      Floor 1
      Chelsea, MI 48118-1185       Get Directions
    • Ophthalmology Clinic | Kellogg Eye Center-Grand Blanc 3181 E Grand Blanc Rd
      Grand Blanc, MI 48439-2709       Get Directions
    • Ophthalmology Clinic | Northville Health Center 39901 Traditions Dr
      Floor 2
      Northville, MI 48168-9493       Get Directions

    Doctors

     Search for a U-M Health doctor     Farida Esaa Hakim, MD

    Farida Esaa Hakim, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Christopher Hood, MD

    Christopher Thomas Hood, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Shahzad Ihsan Mian, MD

    Shahzad Ihsan Mian, MD

    Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Nambi Nallasamy, MD

    Nambi Nallasamy, MD

    Assistant Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Roni Mintz Shtein, MD, MS

    Associate Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Hunson Soong, MD

    Hunson Kaz Soong, MD

    Professor Emeritus

    Ophthalmology

    Alan Sugar, MD

    Professor Emeritus

    Ophthalmology

    Angela Joy Verkade, MD

    Angela Joy Verkade, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Ophthalmology

    Maria Anneke Woodward, MD

    Maria Anneke Woodward, MD, MS

    Associate Professor

    Ophthalmology

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