Eye Herpes: Causes, Risk Factors, and Management

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is an infectious organism that spreads through sexual transmission. It can cause small but painful fluid-filled blisters in the skin, genitals, and other areas of the body. However, did you know that this virus can infect the cornea of your eyes and cause eye herpes? This condition is also called herpes keratitis and is characterized by red eyes, blurry vision, mucus discharge, sensitivity to light, etc. In this article, we will discuss the risk factors and management of eye herpes.

Apart from the common cause, eye herpes can also be triggered by some unusual and often overlooked factors. Additionally, eye herpes can be transmitted through an infected birth canal and cause neonatal eye infections. Thus, this article aims to provide some astonishing information on the risk factors of eye herpes and how to improve the health of your eyes. 

Risk Factors of Eye Herpes

Eye herpes is usually caused by HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus) type 1. People with HSV most often contract it as children, with or without symptoms. HSV-1 can be dormant in the nerves that supply the eyes. It can be activated in the body, leading to infections such as cold sores . Therefore, the risk factors that can activate this virus in your body include:

• Illness:

Illness can trigger the onset of eye herpes. When you are ill, it affects your immune system and the overall health of your body. This permits HSV-1 to be reactivated in the body.

• Contact Lens Wearers:

People who wear contact lenses may have a higher risk, especially if they do not follow proper hygiene protocols for handling contact lenses. This is because HSV can transfer from fingers to the eye, leading to an infection.

• Menstruation:

During the menstrual cycle, the hormones in your body fluctuate during the 2 major phases (i.e., the follicular and luteal phases). This can potentially activate the HSV-1 in your body, causing infections such as eye herpes. Also, if your body is put under strain during menstruation, this can trigger a reactivation of HSV-1.

• Stress and low immunity:

Stress is one of the causes of eye herpes due to the strain in your body, which can trigger HSV-1. Stress weakens the optimal functioning of the immune system, which can lead to increased risk of illness, including HSV-1 reactivation.

• Close Contact with Infected Individuals:

Being in close contact with someone who has an active herpes infection (such as a cold sore) increases the likelihood of contracting the virus. You can also get herpes simplex from people with an active form of the infection (i.e., genital herpes and cold sores around the mouth). This can be through kissing, skin contact, and sharing items contaminated with saliva.

Management of Eye Herpes

It is vital to know that eye infections like eye herpes can be contagious and severe if left untreated. Furthermore, there are several forms of eye herpes, ranging from a simple infection to a condition that can lead to blindness.

Therefore, adhere to good hygiene practices and minimize close contact with infected individuals. Also, avoid local and uncertified remedies like saliva, potatoes, urine, salt water, or soap on your eyes, as these can cause permanent eye damage. You can also improve your eye health with NATURE’SFIELD EYEBRIGHT and improve the symptoms caused by eye herpes, such as irritation, tearing, red eyes, etc.

Your eyes are delicate and coordinate a lot of things you do. Therefore, curbing the risk factors that can reawaken the virus and reestablish the infection is essential. The management of eye herpes can be tough. But you can also alleviate the symptoms with NATURE’SFIELD EYEBRIGHT.

When it comes to viral infections, early detection is key to early treatment and controlling the level of damage it can cause. Your eye healthcare provider may perform an eye exam to evaluate the severity of the symptoms. Oral antiviral medications, eyedrops, or ointment can also be prescribed to reduce the havoc caused by the virus.