Eye drops for herpes. Herpes on the eye: photos, treatment and symptoms. Antiviral drugs in tablets

Any manifestation of a herpes infection should be treated extremely responsibly. The disease itself is not so terrible as the complications after it. The virus can infect absolutely any place on the human body. Herpes on the eyes is one of the most dangerous pathologies. What is the danger of the disease, causes, symptoms and treatment - questions that do not lose their relevance.

Features of the disease

Almost every person on earth is infected with the herpes virus (90%), but the disease manifests itself in only 17%.

Herpes is a viral disease that is characterized by the formation of blisters at the site of the lesion. Localized on the skin and mucous membranes.

At the first infection, it penetrates into the nerve cells and is introduced into their genetic apparatus. For this reason, it is not possible to eliminate the virus from the body. In response to penetration, the immune system forms specific antibodies that can prevent the spread of viral particles through the blood. It is thanks to this organism that it is possible to control the virus for a long time (to prevent its activity).

The virus can infect absolutely the whole person, and the eyes are no exception. Ophthalmic herpes is able to affect the area around the eyes, mucous membranes, eyelids.

Infection with herpesvirus of different types is capable of provoking pathology:

1.2 - Herpes simplex;
3 - Varicella Zoster;
5 - Cytomegalovirus.

The tear fluid itself is able to protect the eyes from the penetration and spread of any infection. This happens due to the fact that it contains immunoglobulins that produce interferons. However, with a decrease in general and local immunity, the lacrimal fluid does not cope with its tasks, and a disease occurs.

Factors affecting the development of the pathological process in the eyes:

eye injuries;
stressful situations;
uncontrolled intake of certain groups of drugs (antibiotics, cytostatics, immunosuppressants);
immunodeficiency states;
malnutrition.

A woman during the period of gestation has a high risk of infection with ophthalmic herpes, since the protective functions of the body decrease, a serious hormonal restructuring occurs, and an unstable emotional state is observed.

The herpes virus is distinguished by its high degree of infection. It can be transmitted from sick people to healthy people by all possible routes of transmission - household (sharing household items), airborne droplets (when talking, coughing, sneezing, kissing), transplacental (from mother to child), sexual (from an infected partner), inoculation ( from the main focus of infection, the person himself transfers to the eyes, for example, from the oral cavity).

Experts divide the methods of infection into two large groups - endogenous (the herpes virus, while in the body, is activated, affects the most vulnerable places), exogenous (the infection enters the eyes from the outside).

The second group is more typical for children, due to their activity, visiting groups, and the system of personal hygiene has not yet been established. According to statistics, in 80% of cases, children become infected with herpes on the eye by exogenous means.

Symptoms

From the moment of infection to the manifestation of the clinic, an average of a week passes.

The first symptoms of herpes in the eyes are similar to manifestations of allergies or bacterial damage (conjunctivitis, blepharitis) - swelling, the eye and eyelid become red, itching and pain, reaction to light, tearing, clouding. It is also possible the appearance of a general clinic - cephalgia, nausea, inflammation of the facial lymph nodes, fever.

Distinctive clinic of ophthalmic herpes:

the appearance of sparks;
intolerable itching;
bifurcation, distortion of what is seen;
uncontrolled closing of the eyelids;
bubble formation.

Shingles of the ophthalmic type occurs when inflammation spreads to the first branch of the trigeminal nerve, affecting one side of the face. At the initial stage, the patient complains of malaise, redness, itching in the eye area. Then, in the place of redness, papules are formed, filled with liquid. The bubbles burst, the wounds become covered with crusts, which, when combed, often leave behind scars.

The location of herpes is predominantly fixed on the upper eyelid, in the area of \u200b\u200bthe eyebrow. The defeat of the second branch of the trigeminal nerve is accompanied by the appearance of a rash on the lower eyelid, under the eye. If the nasociliary nerve (nervus nasociliaris) becomes inflamed - at the inner corner of the eye and on the cornea.

Forms of pathology

Depending on which tissues of the visual organs are affected, the disease proceeds in different forms.

With herpetic conjunctivitis, a lesion of the conjunctiva is fixed (a thin film of the epithelium that covers the eyeball, the inside of the eyelids). The disease begins to develop in one eye, translucent discharge appears, vision becomes cloudy. There is a feeling of the presence of a foreign body, pain, burning, constant itching. The eye turns red, the vessels become clearly visible.
Blepharoconjunctivitis. A rash appears in the area of \u200b\u200bthe ciliary bulbs and on the conjunctiva. It is characterized by severe swelling of the eyelids, redness of the conjunctiva, and strong tearing. Thick, purulent discharges come out of the eyes, which completely glue the eyelids during the night. Possible tufting of eyelashes.
Herpetic dermatitis of the eyelids is accompanied by redness, with further formation of vesicles. After leakage of the liquid, erosion becomes covered with a crust. The body temperature rises, there is a headache, itching, burning at the site of the lesion. It is localized on the upper eyelid of the eye.
Keratitis is a disease in which the cornea of the eye is affected. Accompanied by blepharospasm, photophobia, decreased sensitivity of the cornea. Bursting bubbles along the nerve endings cause severe pain.
Keratoiridocyclitis affects the vessels of the eyes, is characterized by acute pain, frequent relapses reduce visual acuity. This form is less readily amenable to therapy.
Herpetic corneal ulcer - the resulting erosion is not accompanied by pain, can distort vision, is characterized by a long course.
Acute retinal necrosis most often proceeds painlessly, is characterized by a decrease in vision, up to blindness.
Postherpetic trophic keratitis is accompanied by thickening of the cornea of the eye, loss of its sensitivity. A protracted course is fixed, during which the bubbles either appear or disappear, while vision gradually decreases.
Herpetic uevitis occurs with clouding of the vitreous body, the formation of bubbles in the center.

Read also related

Herpes virus in the mouth

In a child, the manifestation of the herpes virus in front of the eyes is accompanied by severe swelling of the conjunctiva, the rash is localized along the edge of the eye. Often there is a parallel rash of the lips.

Diagnostics

Given the presence of numerous forms of ophthalmic herpes, a specific diagnosis can only be made by a competent doctor.

First of all, the specialist will visually inspect the affected areas. Next, he will conduct various tests for visual acuity, determining the boundaries of the visual field, corneal sensitivity and other parameters.

To clarify the diagnosis, an examination with a slit lamp is used, which is able to detect changes in the cornea, inflammation in the eye vessels, and foci of clouding. During this procedure, a scraping is taken from the affected skin or mucous membrane of the eye to detect virus cells using a fluorescent microscope (RIF immunofluorescence analysis).

Important! For the correct diagnosis of the disease, it is highly desirable to take the material as soon as symptoms appear.

In most cases, symptoms appear that are not specific to herpes, so laboratory tests are indispensable. In addition to the RIF method, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method is used, which will determine the DNA of the virus.

A general clinical blood test is carried out - it shows the level of leukocytes and lymphocytes (usually it is increased, but with immunodeficiency it is lowered).

In order to detect the presence of antibodies to the virus, a scraping from the conjunctiva is examined, and in especially severe cases or questionable laboratory results, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is performed. With herpes of the eyes, antibodies M.

Possible Complications

It is possible to fully recover without negative consequences only with a timely visit to a doctor (oculist). Only a qualified specialist knows exactly how and how to treat eye herpes. It is very important not to self-medicate, because vision is at stake.

The result of untimely, inadequate therapy can be:

clouding of the cornea;
loss of vision;
feeling of dryness, foreign body in the eye;
cyclic eye pain.

With frequent relapses, herpes affects deeper and deeper structures of the eye, which can lead to the development of complex pathologies - cataracts, retinal detachment and death, glaucoma, blindness, loss of the affected organ of vision.

Therapeutic activities

Patients who have been affected by the problem are concerned about the question of how to treat herpes on the eye.

It is not possible to cure the disease for life, because viruses become an integral part of nerve cells. Treatment is able to stop the reproduction of the virus as quickly as possible, relieve inflammation, minimize the risk of complications, and prolong the period of remission.

The therapeutic regimen directly depends on the form of the disease, the severity of the course. If only the surface layers of tissues are affected, then for a successful outcome of the disease, drugs that suppress the activity of the virus are sufficient.

The problem of damage to the deep structures of the visual organs, in the absence of an adequate response to drug therapy, is solved in an operable way (coagulation, keratoplasty, neurotomy, cryotherapy, vitrectomy). During operations, the complete elimination or restriction of the lesion is performed.

Groups of drugs used to treat eye herpes:

antiviral;
nonspecific and specific immunotherapy;
symptomatic and concomitant.

The duration of the course is approximately one month.

Antiviral drugs are used systemically (tablets, capsules, injections) and topically (drops, ointments, creams).

Systemic drugs Valaciclovir and Famciclovir are taken 500 mg three times a day for 7-10 days.

Acyclovir, Zovirax are effective if herpes on the eyelid of the eye is in the initial stage, they are also used for preventive purposes.

As a local therapy, Acyclovir 3% eye ointment is used - it must be applied to the eyelids at least 4 times a day. In recurrent cases, it is ineffective.

Cream Fenistil Pencivir is more effective. It is used only if herpes is under the eye, around the eyes, on the outside of the eyelid. It is forbidden to apply on mucous membranes.

Ophthalmic herpes is a lesion of the cornea, eyeball and adjacent areas with a herpes infection. The causative agents of the virus remain in the tear ducts for a long time after treatment and often provoke repeated outbreaks of herpes in the eyes. The disease causes visual impairment. With the gravity of ophthalmic herpes, deep organs are damaged, which leads to surgical intervention or to disability.

Ophthalmologists have adopted the following classification of ophthalmic herpes.

By pathogenesis:

primary;
recurrent.

Clinico-anatomical:

Front section:
- surface forms;
- deep forms.
Rear section.

Causes of the appearance of herpes in the eyes

The main causative agents of herpes infection of the eye are:

HSV type 1 (cold provocateur on the lips).
HSV type 2 (causes genital herpes).
VVZ 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 baby roseola).

The pathogenesis of the virus is represented by the introduction of its DNA into the cells of the body, where the microparticles 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 action weakens under the general decrease in immunity. Ocular herpes enters through the outer layers and affects the cornea, leaving erosions. On this, the active phase subsides, and the herpes cells pass into a latent existence in the lymph nodes, the dermis.

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

Factors contributing to ophthalmic herpes include:

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

At-risk groups

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

pregnant women with genital herpes;
newborns;
preschool children;
people who have undergone organ transplantation;
men, women, immunocompromised children.

Symptoms of ophthalmic herpes

Common 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 a chronic form;
violation of the structure of the integument; erosive damage to the mucous membrane of the eye;
rashes, vesicles and sores around the organs of vision;
seals on the upper and lower eyelids;
blurred vision;
clouding, distorted perception of objects.

These symptoms are accompanied by photophobia, dry eyes, frequent blinking, sometimes fever and depressed mood.

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;
defeat of the cornea layer (keratitis) with a rash of blisters, fusion of ulcers, deformation of the edges of the damage on the cornea;
erosive manifestations;
inflammatory processes in the connective tissue of the sclera.

Profound changes are diagnosed:

metaherpetic keratitis with extensive corneal lesions;
deep keratitis with opacities in the cornea, changes, swelling and accumulation of fluid in the cornea.

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

retinochoroiditis - a focal formation of white 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 is easily 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 eye herpes

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

The method of fluorescent antibodies according to Kasparov. MFA is based on the introduction of serum with antibodies into the conjunctiva. An increase in the luminescence of the antibodies of the solution is characterized by the degree of infection with herpes.
Biomicroscopy. Allows you to see keratitis lesions of the cornea, vesicular 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 lesions.
ultrasound. Used in the pathology of the posterior region of the eye, allows you to identify vascular changes and clouding of the lenses.
Ophthalmoscopy. It is carried out in the study of the fundus for changes in the shape of the retina, the occurrence of swelling of the cornea.
Visometry or visual acuity test. 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 corneo-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 disease

Procedures for the elimination of ophthalmic herpes are dictated by the results of the diagnosis. If the anterior zone of the visual organ, the surrounding areas are affected, then a complex of drugs is used. Pathology of the posterior part of the eye may require surgery in conjunction with medications.

Medical therapy

Treatment includes:

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

Immunomodulating drugs are aimed at increasing the body's resistance to viruses. These include interferon inducers (Amiksin, Cycloferon) and immunoglobulins (Interlok). Amiksin (price from 600 rubles) and Cycloferon are prescribed in tablets and injections, they have a minimum number of contraindications. Interlock for the eyes is represented by 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 the active substance, which is safe when it comes into contact with the mucous membrane. Cream Fenistil Pencivir copes better with relapses, unlike Acyclovir, it is strictly applied to the eyelid. Drops Oftalmoferon are prescribed in combination with ointments to prevent damage to the cornea of the eye. Viferon is prescribed for children.

Trifluorothymidine drops are safe and non-toxic. Ophthalmologists recommend them for their gentle and directed action. Apply every hour, but dosed 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 is about 500 rubles). Valvir is used to treat childhood herpes.

If necessary, symptomatic drugs 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 acute lesions with a possible bacterial nature, antibiotics are used.
Necrosis of the tissues 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 drugs.
An integrated approach requires the elimination of possible allergies, so antihistamines Suprastin, Tavegil, Zirtek are added.

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

How to get rid of herpes eye folk remedies?

Recipes of traditional medicine can be combined both in combination with drug therapy, and independently.

Effective eye drops:

From honeydew. 2 tbsp. l. herbs are brewed in 500 ml of boiling water and infused for 2 hours. The resulting infusion is washed with eyes for 2 weeks.
From arnica. Take 1 inflorescence of arnica in a glass of boiling water and brew for 2 hours. Compresses are made from the resulting product and the eyes are washed every 2 hours.

To increase general immunity, they drink teas from chamomile, rose hips, add honey and lemon.

In addition to medicinal methods of treatment, 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 samples;
misdiagnosis;
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 acuity of the organ.
Periodic pain in the eye area.
Chronic dry eye syndrome.

Acute lesions of the vascular layers, the optic nerve with herpes can develop cataracts and glaucoma. There are frequent cases of complete loss of vision and disability.

Congenital herpes infection causes exudation into the fundus and vitreous. Involvement of blood vessels provokes perivasculitis. The neonatal period is accompanied by conjunctivitis, turning into neuritis and necrosis of the layers of the eye.

Prevention

The main measures to prevent the appearance of eye herpes:

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

This condition can be caused by:

hypothermia;
long-term use of antibacterial drugs;
abrupt climate change;
violation of the processes of digestion;
chronic mental and physical fatigue.

The body's defenses are reduced during exacerbations of systemic diseases, during stress. During pregnancy, there is also a significant decrease in immunity. This is a vital necessity, in this way the body of the expectant mother tries to prevent the rejection of the maturing embryo. For many, the course of the infection does not manifest itself in any way. A person does not even suspect that he is a potential threat to others. This is the insidiousness of herpes.

Ways of infection

If the carrier has herpes in a latent state, the person is not dangerous to others. The source of infection is the one who has the characteristic symptoms of the infection, the one whose herpes is in the active phase, but the course of the infection is asymptomatic.

Symptoms of herpes in the eyes

In adults and in children, the appearance of herpes in the eyes causes the same symptoms. First, the patient begins to feel a slight tingling, burning and itching on the infected area of \u200b\u200bthe skin or mucous membrane. Tears appear, the eyeball turns red, the palpebral fissure narrows, at dusk the visual acuity is lost. Appear convulsive twitching of the eyelids, photophobia. Headaches occur, they cause severe weakness. Sometimes there is a slight increase in body temperature.

If the infected area is on the skin around the eyes, on the eyelid, it swells, redness appears. A day later, a group of vesicles filled with serous fluid forms at this site. It contains a huge amount of live virus particles. An increase in the volume of the substrate leads to the fact that the bubbles open on their own, their contents pour out. At this point, the patient poses the greatest danger to others.

It is believed that if several cases of exacerbation occur during the year (more than four), it is imperative to seek help from an immunologist and, together with him, correct immunity.

Possible Complications

It is impossible to ignore the appearance of characteristic symptoms: the course of the infection can provoke various complications. So, for example, if lesions appear on the surface of the eyeball, acute retinal necrosis may develop. It is the most common cause of total blindness. As a rule, one eye is first affected, and the second is involved in the process after two months. Initially, lesions appear on the periphery, then merge and provoke retinal detachment. In 50% of cases, patients lose their sight completely.

Another dangerous complication is iridocyclitis (anterior uevitis). Its development is indicated by pain that occurs when pressing a finger on the cornea of the eye. Visible vessels dilate and become engorged, the iris becomes red or green with a rusty tint. At the same time, the iris pattern itself merges and becomes indistinguishable. The patient in this case complains of a feeling of "veil" before his eyes. The appearance of such a complication can also provoke loss of vision.

Herpes can cause inflammation of the cornea (keratitis). With its development, blepharospasms, photophobia are observed, the transparency of the cornea decreases, and the luster is lost. The outcome is a decrease in vision, a thorn.

Lesions of the skin of the eyelids, mucous membranes of the visual organs make it possible to make a correct diagnosis without the use of instrumental methods of examination. If infection with herpes caused damage to the cornea or blood vessels, then to clarify the diagnosis, the ophthalmologist must examine the patient with a slit lamp. He makes a scraping from the skin or from the mucous membrane of the affected area and sends the material for laboratory testing. There are methods to identify the causative agent of the infection, to understand what type of herpes is inside the body. Further treatment of ophthalmic herpes is performed after analyzing the responses of laboratory tests.

Treatment tactics

Treatment tactics are also developed taking into account the existing clinical manifestations. Antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs, antihistamines are necessarily included in therapeutic schemes; ointments, drops and gels are actively used for local treatment.

To eliminate clinical symptoms are prescribed:

antiseptic drops ("Miramistin");
anti-inflammatory drops ("Naklof");
antihistamine drops ("Opatanol");
antibacterial drops ("Tobrex").

The appointment of the last group of drugs is made when the course of herpes provoked the addition of a bacterial component. To enhance immunity, Polyoxidonium suppositories or Cycloferon injections are prescribed, loading doses of B vitamins and ascorbic acid are required.

The duration of treatment is determined by the ophthalmologist, on average it lasts 3-4 weeks. If damage to the deep layers is detected, specific therapy is carried out aimed at preserving vision.

Herpes during pregnancy

The appearance of herpes on the lips or eyes with a favorable course of infection rarely causes dangerous complications. A pregnant woman may encounter a virus for the first time while carrying a child, she may experience an exacerbation of the chronic form. So, the primary infection of the genital organs in the first trimester is considered undesirable. It can cause infection of the fetus and provoke the following complications:

spontaneous miscarriage;
violation of the development of the fetus;
herpetic lesions of the tissues of the nervous system, eyes, oral cavity;
damage to amniotic fluid (fetal hypoxia);
intrauterine fetal death.

Since a sharp decrease in immunity is observed during pregnancy, the course of ophthalmic herpes always proceeds much more severely than usual, it is often accompanied by fever and provokes blood circulation disorders. Therefore, quite often there is a deep damage to the tissues of the visual organ, and this is also very dangerous for the expectant mother herself. That is why it is so important, when the first symptoms appear, to immediately contact an ophthalmologist and, together with him, under the supervision of a gynecologist leading the pregnancy, treat the infection.

Herpesvirus in children

Nature has taken good care of protecting the organs of vision: the fluid of tears contains immunoglobulins that can prevent the penetration and spread of viral pathogens. But with a sharp decrease in immunity, the properties of protective barriers weaken.

In children and adolescents, a herpes infection proceeds in exactly the same way as in adults; forms are often diagnosed in which damage to the deep layers of the organs of vision is observed. Self-medication in this case is unacceptable. It is important to immediately contact an ophthalmologist when characteristic symptoms appear. Before meeting with him, it is necessary to provide the child with first aid: go to the pharmacy and buy drops of Ophthalmoferon, drip them into the affected eye two drops four times a day. Further appointment will be made by the doctor after examination and laboratory tests. When drawing up a treatment regimen, he will necessarily take into account the age of the child, his weight, and the individual characteristics of the course of the infection. If signs of complications are identified, hospitalization can be made.

After recovery, given the high possibility of relapses, twice a year (in autumn and spring) it will be necessary to provide the child with preventive treatment. It consists in taking vitamin complexes (“Strix Kids”, “Blueberry Forte”), in observing the rules of proper nutrition. It is important to try to exclude the occurrence of emotional overload, maintain sleep and wakefulness, harden, instill a love for sports, dress the child in accordance with weather conditions.

You can not use common bath accessories, someone else's cosmetics. It is useful to strictly observe the rules of personal hygiene and not touch your eyes with dirty hands. With frequent relapses, it is worth making an antiherpetic vaccine.

Herpes on the eyes is the result 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 your finger moistened with your own saliva when there is an active virus in the mucosa.

The routes of infection are almost always contact, with the exception of severe internal herpes. With this type of virus, its discharge with mucous membranes, tears, and coughing is possible.

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 a rash on the eyelids.

Recurrence of the rash usually occurs on the skin of the face, where there is increased moisture. On dry skin, the virus is more difficult to take root. Lips have such a favorable environment, and a bubble is formed there more often, which is popularly called a cold. Over time, the infected fluid leaves the area of inflammation and a situation is formed when infection of surrounding and healthy skin areas can occur.

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

To partially remove eye symptoms, use drops with an antiviral agent and ointment for the eyelids around. Treatment is aimed only at the complete elimination of external manifestations.

Internal herpes hides deep in the nerve cell of the spine, it is impossible to kill it. With the activation of the recurrent form, there is a shift in the area of inflammation to the area of the lips.

How does the virus behave in different forms of infection?

4 types of herpes can be accidentally brought into the eyes:

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

These conditions should be treated immediately when the first symptoms are detected. Complications are observed on the cornea of the eye. Untreated keratitis is able to spread inside the organ, after which it is useless to treat the disease with drops - an operative method will be required. The advanced stages of the inflammatory process threaten with disturbances in the work 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, not realizing the true nature of the origin of redness, at this stage, until specific bubbles form along the edge of the eyelids.

According to these neoplasms, the ophthalmologist determines the symptoms of herpes and, together with the dermatovenereologist, begins to treat the viral form of the disease. In order to prevent the 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 when the first symptoms of herpes are found 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 with fully open eyelids;
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 manifests itself with a decrease in the body's defenses; in a healthy person, the symptoms are less pronounced.

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

Patients complain of periodic soreness to bright light and sudden onset convulsions of the visual organ.

With a relapse, a change in the tissues of the eye occurs. The initial moment of inflammation is characterized by damage to the cornea, sclera. In more advanced stages, if the virus is not treated, a negative effect on the deeper layers occurs: the optic nerve, retina. Cloudiness in the field of vision is formed 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 view;
perivasculitis;
pathological changes in the tissues of the retina and conjunctiva, episcleritis;
serous retinopathy;
the formation of blood accumulations in the retina.

From the consequences described above, it can be seen that a slight rash on the eyes in the future may end in an expensive operation. The symptoms of herpes should alert the sick person; as a preventive measure, you need to visit an ophthalmologist and a dermatovenereologist. According to the results of the examinations, an 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.

The ophthalmologist ascertains the cause of the problems of the visual organ as a result of the action of a herpetic infection. An examination is carried out using a slit lamp, specific changes in the cornea inherent in the effects of the virus are revealed. These manifestations include: erosion, vascular expansion, stagnation of blood.

Analysis for antibodies by the method of immunofluorescence reaction. As a biomaterial, a scraping is taken from the site of inflammation of the eye tissues. An examination is also carried out by the method of fluorescent antibodies. For diagnostics, a fluorescent microscope is used, which has an ultraviolet source in its composition.

For quantitative determination, enzyme immunoassay is used. Examination of the patient is carried out with an interval of 12 days. The number of IgM and IgG antibodies is counted. These indicators are used to control the period of inflammation.

A complete diagnosis during the period of malaise will help to avoid long-term treatment in case of damage to the visual organ. The latent carriage of herpes can appear in a few 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 appointment of antiviral drugs and the maintenance of immunity. To reduce the effect of the virus on the eyes, anti-inflammatory drops are prescribed. Skin rashes are eliminated with local medicines.

Deep pathologies of the eye should be treated with an operative method, 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 the immunologist. To eliminate residual effects, painkillers and against edema are used.

Among the effective drugs are:

ointment vidarabine, acyclovir, panavir;
drops: trifluorothymidine, oftan IDU;
tablets: valtrex, florental, bonafton;
immunostimulants: geneferon, interferons, valvir, interlock and reaferon.

It is necessary to treat herpes in front of the eyes together with a doctor, a neglected disease can have unpleasant consequences for health.

One of the most unpleasant diseases of the mucous membranes is herpes. And herpes is one of the most dangerous manifestations of this disease. Ophthalmic herpes, if left untreated, can lead to unpleasant consequences, which is why it is important to contact a specialist in time for treatment recommendations.

Causes and symptoms of eye herpes

Herpes is a viral disease and most often it is transmitted by airborne droplets. They can also be infected by household means through dishes and personal items. More likely to get infected in a person with reduced immunity.

Most often, herpes affects children who are in large groups - schools and kindergartens. A high probability of infection in a newborn child through an infected mother's genital tract.

Causes of herpes in the eye can be:

The herpes virus can be present in every person in the body, but it is more likely to occur in a person with reduced immunity. Eye herpes is provoked by the virus types 1 and 2, as well as chicken pox.

Herpes of the eye on the eyelid rarely occurs as a primary disease, most often it is provoked by various factors, which causes herpes of various forms.

Depending on the cause and form of the disease, the symptoms of herpes in the eyes are expressed differently. If the primary disease is conjunctivitis, then herpes may not be accompanied by blisters, but only redness, itching and increased tearing of the eyes. The virus can cover the trigeminal nerve.

Damage to the optic nerve is characterized by:

Severe pain in the eye sockets.
The occurrence of pain when moving the eyes and eyelids.
Dizziness, headache.
Blurred vision.
The appearance of a blind spot in the field of view.

If herpes under the eye occurs against the background of herpes zoster, the following symptoms occur:

Pain in the affected area.
The appearance of bubbles, which subsequently burst and form crusts.
Fever, weakness.
Headache.
Itching and burning at the site of the eruption.

If herpes occurs in the eyes, it is necessary to prevent the attachment of a bacterial infection. You can not comb the rashes and use non-sterile napkins for compresses.

Symptoms of herpes in the eyes of viral origin:

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Increased tearing.
Intolerance to bright light.
Discomfort and feeling of a foreign body.
Redness of the eyelids.

Herpes on the cornea - keratitis - most often of an infectious or traumatic nature. Symptoms of herpes keratitis:

Vesicular eruptions along the trigeminal nerve.
Bursting bubbles are accompanied by pain.
Decreased sensitivity of the cornea.

With deep lesions on the cornea, erosions and ulcers occur, which can lead to iridocyclitis - inflammation of the iris. Its symptoms:

purulent discharge from the eyes;
change in the shape of the pupil;
pain and pain in the eyes.

Also, keratitis can be accompanied by damage to the retina.

Symptoms:

A sharp decrease in vision, especially in poor lighting.
Nebula and doubling before the eyes.
The appearance of bright flashes and sparks.
Twitching and spasms of the eye muscles.

Lack of proper treatment can lead to complete loss of vision. The rarest complication of herpes is choreoretinitis, an inflammation in the retina that always leads to loss of vision. It most often affects people with impaired immune systems. How to treat herpes in front of the eyes depends on the form of the disease.

Medical treatment

An ophthalmologist is engaged in the treatment of herpes on the eye. Only a specialist after the examination will tell you how to treat ophthalmic herpes. Drug therapy is aimed at suppressing the virus, relieving inflammation and healing rashes.

With unopened forms and properly selected treatment, recovery occurs very quickly. With deep lesions of the cornea, retina and other parts of the eye area, surgical, plastic or laser surgery is necessary.

If a small area of eye tissue is affected by the virus, the use of local preparations is sufficient. Well tolerated and quickly suppress the spread of infection antiviral ointments:

Ointments on the eyes should be applied with cleanly washed hands so as not to introduce an additional infection.

In addition to ointments, antiviral and immunomodulatory drops are prescribed:

Oftalmoferon, Poludan, Aktipol, Oftan Idu - antiviral drops that promote the production of interferon, relieve inflammation and reduce itching. The dosage and duration of administration is prescribed by the doctor.
To relieve inflammation and as a local anesthetic, drops are used: Okomistin, Okoferon, Miramistin. They are instilled 3 times a day, the minimum course is 5 days, then as directed by a doctor.
Indocollir, Diklof - relieve pain, instill 3-4 times a day drop by drop.

In case of serious lesions and when herpes on the eye is accompanied by a rash on other parts of the body, antiviral drugs are prescribed for internal use: Acyclovir, Herpetad, Acik.

Treatment of herpes of the eye should be combined with the use of immunostimulating agents: Cycloferon, Viferon, Polyoxidonium. And vitamin complexes with a high content of vitamins B, A, E, C.

When herpes on the eyelid is accompanied by a bacterial infection, local antibacterial drugs should be used: Tetracycline and Erythromycin ointments, Levomycetin drops Sodium sulfate, Tsiprolet, Tsipromed.

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To relieve itching and burning, antihistamines are prescribed: Loratadin, Suprastin, Cetrin, Zodak.

To avoid complications and quickly cure herpes, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner and adhere to all recommendations. It is possible that the doctor will prescribe not only medications, but also advise how to treat with folk methods.

Non-traditional methods

Treatment of eye herpes with home remedies is aimed at relieving the burning sensation and itching, and should be accompanied by therapy with pharmaceutical preparations.

For eyewash use the following means:

To rinse the eye, you need to lie on your side and, with a well-moistened cotton pad, draw from the outer to the inner corner of the eye.

Do not flush both eyes with the same disc!

For flushing, you can use syringes without a needle and small syringes. For the treatment of folk remedies, it is necessary to use only sterile wipes and accessories. After each procedure, they must be thoroughly washed and disinfected.

Compresses are used to relieve inflammation and speed up the healing of sores:

To make a compress, you should take a sterile bandage, fold it four times and soak in a warm infusion. Apply 2-3 times a day for 15 minutes.

The interval between compresses and instillation of therapeutic drops into the eyes should be at least 1 hour. During the treatment of herpes on the eyelids, it is necessary to raise the immunity of the whole organism. It is necessary to drink cranberry fruit drinks, tea with honey and lemon, brew echinacea.

Prevention

In order to reduce the risk of herpes on the eyelids, personal hygiene should be observed and contact with carriers of the infection should be avoided.

Only a specialist knows how to treat herpes of the eye, so do not self-medicate!

Herpes of the eye is a rather serious disease, and only a specialist should deal with its treatment. To avoid relapses, one should adhere to medical prescriptions and not interrupt the course of treatment at the first improvements.

Do you still think that it is impossible to get rid of herpes forever?

Did you know that the entire population is potentially infected with herpes. Of the nine people examined, only two do not have the herpes virus!

itching, burning, tingling sensation...
rashes in the form of bubbles that may appear on the lips, mucous membranes of the nose and mouth, on the genitals and on the body ...
fatigue, drowsiness...
lack of interest in life, depression...
headache...

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