Symptoms and treatment of herpes in the eyes. Herpes under the eye: causes and methods of treatment Eye herpes in a child

In this article, you will learn:

herpes eye: symptoms and causes,
herpes on the eye - treatment, photo,
list of effective drugs.

Primary eye infection with herpes most often occurs in early childhood. The first case of the disease is usually mild and resembles ordinary conjunctivitis (Figure 1-3). The latter usually resolves quickly without complications and without involvement of the cornea of the eye. If the cornea is nevertheless involved, then lacrimation and photophobia join the reddening of the conjunctiva.

In some cases, in addition to these symptoms, a rash of herpetic vesicles on the eyelids may appear (Figure 4-5), i.e. vesicular blepharitis. The resulting bubbles burst after a few days, leaving ulcerations that heal without scarring in about 7-10 days. In parallel with this, some "blurring" of vision is possible.

Herpes on the eyelid (blepharitis) -

Primary ocular herpes occurs precisely in early childhood - due to the gradual decrease during this period of the residual amount of antibodies to the herpes virus, which were obtained from the mother during pregnancy. Moreover, if herpes on the eye occurs against the background of a still sufficiently high level of antibodies in the blood serum, the symptoms are usually weak and may be limited to conjunctivitis.

If, against the background of a low content of antibodies, damage to the eyelids and cornea of the eye is possible. In many patients, after a previous infection, repeated relapses of the disease may develop. According to statistics, in 10% of patients, the first relapse occurs within the first year. Unlike primary herpes of the eye, the chronic recurrent form of the disease can lead to significant damage to the cornea, to deterioration and even loss of vision.

Herpes of the eye: causes of occurrence

There are many types of the herpes virus - the so-called herpevirus family. However, only 3 types of herpesviruses cause eye damage. Most often it is herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), less often it is herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and herpes zoster virus (HSV-3). Herpes in the eye caused by the types of viruses HSV-2 and HSV-3 is much more difficult to treat.

After the initial infection and recovery, the herpes virus persists in the sensory and autonomic nerve ganglia. This explains why the herpes virus primarily affects the lips, the cornea of the eye, the oral mucosa and the genitals. The fact is that it is in these tissues of the body that a large number of sensory nerve fibers are concentrated. And with a decrease in immunity, the virus is activated, causing a relapse of the disease.

The ingress of the herpes virus to the cornea of the eye can occur through direct contact with a person with active clinical manifestations of herpes. In addition, you can carry the virus yourself if you have active or herpetic stomatitis. It is enough to spit on your fingers or touch your lips with your hand, and then rub your eyes. You can even transfer cold sores from the lip to the eye area by simply drying off with a towel.

In children -
especially often, herpetic lesion of the eyes develops in children. Young children constantly pull their hands into their mouths, licking them. And if a child has herpes on the lip, the skin around the mouth or on the oral mucosa, this virus will certainly be everywhere, including the eyes. Therefore, it is very important in young children against the background or herpes of the lips - to instill special drops in the eyes, for example, Ophthalmoferon.

Repeated outbreaks of ocular herpes -

Repeated cases of the disease usually manifest with epithelial keratitis (damage to the surface of the cornea). Epithelial keratitis is manifested by lacrimation, photophobia, and a feeling of a foreign body in the eye. But the most important diagnostic criterion is the formation of a defect in the cornea in the form of tree branches (which is why epithelial keratitis is often also called treelike or serpentine). This form of keratitis heals without a trace, usually within 1-2 weeks.

Herpes on the eye: photo of epithelial keratitis

In some cases, herpetic lesion may occur not only on the surface of the cornea, but also on its deeper layers (stroma), which indicates the development of stromal keratitis. The latter is divided into disc keratitis - in this case, the main diagnostic criterion will be the appearance in the cornea of the eye of an area of opacity and edema in the form of a disc. With disk keratitis, there is no stromal necrosis.

The second form of stromal keratitis is necrotizing keratitis, which proceeds with necrosis of the corneal stroma. Visually, areas of necrosis look like a whitish-cloudy infiltrate in the corneal stroma (it can occur with or without damage to the corneal epithelium). Infiltration can be only one large size, or multiple small infiltrates. The development of such necrosis, as a rule, is associated with a pathological reaction of the patient's immune system.

Complaints of patients with stromal keratitis -

severe pain
blurred vision
sensitivity to light (photophobia),
feeling of "sand in the eyes".

Diagnostics -

The diagnosis is made by an ophthalmologist. As a rule, an examination with a special slit lamp is sufficient, but in controversial cases, a microbiological study (sowing on a viral culture) can sometimes be prescribed. It is very important to distinguish between herpes simplex caused by the HSV-1 and HSV-2 herpes simplex virus and the HSV-3 virus that causes herpes zoster (which also affects the eyes).

Herpes in the eye: treatment and prevention

The tactics of treatment will depend on whether it is a primary or secondary lesion of the eye with the herpes virus, as well as on the severity of the symptoms. Herpes on the eye - treatment in a child at the first case of the onset of the disease (provided that only symptoms of conjunctivitis are observed) - possibly with the help of the drug Oftalmoferon. Scheme - 1-2 drops 8 times a day (until the symptoms go away). If we are talking about a young child, then in parallel it can be used in the form of candles.

If, in addition to conjunctivitis, herpes has developed on the eyelid, treatment in addition to drops of Ophthalmoferon should include 5% cream with Acyclovir. Cream with 5% acyclovir can only be applied to the eyelids and skin around the eyes. If epithelial keratitis has developed, then it must be borne in mind that only a special eye ointment with 3% Acyclovir can be placed in the lower eyelid.

With moderate clinical manifestations of the above drugs, it is enough to cope with the new-onset herpes of the eyes. However, in very rare cases, newborns may have very severe clinical manifestations. In this case, an emergency consultation with an ophthalmologist and therapy with systemic antiviral drugs are needed.

Treating recurrent herpes outbreaks -

As we said above, with repeated outbreaks of herpes of the eye, epithelial or stromal keratitis develops. With adequate treatment, epithelial keratitis resolves within 1–2 weeks, and ends with complete healing. However, in the absence of proper treatment, in about 25% of patients, epithelial keratitis transforms into stromal keratitis (which in turn can lead to scarring of the cornea and sometimes even loss of vision).

1. Local treatment -

Epithelial keratitis is excellently treated with local remedies. In Europe and the USA, 2 drugs are approved for this. Firstly - 0.15% Ganciclovir gel (according to the scheme - 5 times a day / i.e. every 3 hours). Secondly - a 1% solution of Trifluridine in the form of drops (according to the scheme - 9 times a day / every 2 hours after waking up). The problem is that these modern drugs are not available for Russians, because we simply don’t sell them.

Therefore, there is only one alternative - this is Acyclovir eye ointment 3%. There is an original drug - this is Zovirax (Great Britain) - at a price of 280 rubles per tube 4.5 g. Alternatively, you can use an inexpensive Russian-made ointment (manufacturer Sintez, Kurgan) - at a price of 120 rubles per tube 5 g.

Application scheme –
eye ointment for adults and children is placed in the lower conjunctival sac (for the lower eyelid) - 5 times a day at intervals of 4 hours. Each time, a 10 mm strip of ointment is used for this. Treatment lasts as long as there are symptoms + 3 more days after healing.

Treatment of stromal keratitis –

For stromal keratitis, topical glucocorticoids may be prescribed. Please note that they cannot be used for epithelial keratitis! But with stromal, they must be used in combination with antiviral agents. For example, 1% prednisolone solution can be used. At the first stage of treatment - every 2 hours, followed by an increase in the interval - up to 4-8 hours. An alternative drug to prednisolone is 0.1% dexamethasone solution.

You also need to monitor intraocular pressure and, if it rises, prescribe appropriate treatment. For the treatment of concomitant photophobia, 1% atropine solution or 0.25% scopolamine solution can be used (both drugs - 3 times a day). Remember that you should never use glucocorticoids without a doctor's prescription.

2. Systemic treatment -

In some cases, either tablet forms can be prescribed, or acyclovir in the form of intravenous infusion. The effective dosage of acyclovir for children over 2 years of age and adults is 400 mg taken 5 times a day. For children under 2 years old - 200 mg 5 times a day. Valacyclovir is prescribed - 1000 mg 2 times a day. The duration of therapy in each case is 3 weeks (21 days).

Treatment of immunocompromised adults is carried out with an increased dosage of acyclovir up to 800 mg (5 times a day for 3-4 weeks), or an intravenous form of acyclovir can be used. If the herpes virus is resistant to acyclovir / valacyclovir, famciclovir can be prescribed 500 mg 2 times a day.

Ophthalmic herpes zoster -

Herpes on the eyes can be caused not only by the herpes simplex virus (Herpes simplex, types HSV-1 and HSV-2), but also by the Herpes Zoster type HSV-3, which causes herpes zoster (synonym - shingles). With an exacerbation of the herpes zoster virus, the eyes can also be involved in the process, while herpetic eruptions occur precisely along the 1 branch of the trigeminal nerve.

The very first symptom that appears even in the prodromal stage of the disease (that is, before the onset of herpetic eruptions) is showing in the tip of the nose. In the acute phase of the disease, the symptoms are usually very pronounced, and are manifested, among other things, by rashes on the eyelids, the skin around the eyes, the skin of the forehead, and also very often on the tip of the nose. There may be very strong pain in the forehead, severe swelling of the eyelids, photophobia.

In more than half of all cases, inflammation of all tissues of the anterior and sometimes posterior parts of the eye occurs. Herpes of the eye caused by Herpes Zoster can be severe and very often accompanied by scarring of the cornea. As consequences, cataracts, glaucoma, chronic uveitis, corneal scarring, postherpetic neuralgia, etc. can occur. (all these complications impair vision).

Diagnostics -

Diagnosis is based on a characteristic rash on the forehead, tip of the nose, and on the eyelids, and on examination of the eye. Atrophic hypopigmented foci that have arisen at the site of past herpetic eruptions on the forehead can speak of traces of herpes zoster in the eye area already transferred in the past. Herpetic lesions of the forehead and skin around the eyes, which have not yet spread to the eyeball, indicates a high risk and requires urgent consultation with an ophthalmologist.

Treatment -

The mainstay of treatment for ophthalmic herpes zoster is antiviral tablets (acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir). In some cases, it is advisable to use local glucocorticoids, for example, 1% prednisolone solution or 0.1% dexamethasone solution.

Treatment with acyclovir in children over 2 years old and in adults should be carried out according to the scheme - 800 mg orally 5 times a day (for 7-10 days). Use in adults of famciclovir - 500 mg 3 times a day (7 days in total), valacyclovir - 1000 mg 3 times a day (7 days in total). It is noted that the pain syndrome is significantly less when using valciclovir and famciclovir, but these drugs will be much more expensive.

In patients with weakened immunity or neurological complications requiring hospitalization, intravenous acyclovir is usually used at the rate of 10 mg / kg body weight, infusion every 8 hours (for 7-10 days). In the absence of the effect of treatment with acyclovir in such patients, Foscarnet is used at the rate of 40 mg / kg, every 8 hours until the healing of all foci.

Herpes prevention -

try not to contact people who have active herpes sores,
strengthen your immunity,
wash your hands regularly
if you have cold sores on the lip - wash towels regularly, and also change the pillowcase next to the pillow after each use (especially in children), otherwise there is a high risk of herpes spreading from the lip to the eye area,
in the event of herpetic stomatitis in children, it is advisable to prophylactically instill Ophthalmoferon in the eyes (because they very often lick their fingers, and then rub their eyes with them),
do not use any personal belongings of a person with herpes,
Apply sunscreen on your face and lip balm that contains zinc oxide if you plan on being in the sun for a long time.

Vaccination is possible for patients with severe recurrent herpes outbreaks. The Russian vaccine "Vitagerpavak" is intended for the prevention of herpes types 1 and 2. This is a new vaccine, and it is still difficult to say unequivocally about the degree of its effectiveness, but for patients with frequent outbreaks, we would recommend it as one of the prevention options. We hope that our article: Herpes on the eye photo, treatment and symptoms - turned out to be useful to you!

Herpes on the eye is an infectious disease of the organs of vision that occurs due to the ingress of pathogenic microflora on the mucous membrane of the eye. Herpes is a virus that, having entered 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 is weakened, the virus will begin to manifest itself. 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 in the body, remains there forever, there are a number of factors that provoke the rapid growth of the virus:

severe hypothermia of the body;
colds;
decreased immune system;
improper diet, diet;
long-term use of antibiotics;
infections;
the influence of stressful situations.

Herpes is a virus that can be transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person in a variety of ways. Pathogenic microflora is transferred by air and droplets, during intimacy without the use of protective equipment, when sharing household items with an infected person. It is enough to wipe your face with a towel, which was previously used by a person with a virus in his blood to get infected. For this reason, it is strictly forbidden to allow anyone from outsiders to use their 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 can occur due to the presence of this virus on other organs. Often, the person himself is to blame for the appearance of eye herpes due to not observing the rules of personal hygiene. It often happens that in the presence of herpes on the lips and when applying drugs of a local spectrum of action to it, a person then does not wash his hands, and when applying makeup or when scratching the eye, the virus is transferred into the organ of vision, provoking the appearance of the disease on the cornea, under the eye, on the eyelid ...

How does the disease manifest

The signs of the disease depend on which part of the eye the pathogenic virus manifests itself on. In addition to acute symptoms during infection, soreness and discomfort are present during healing. Eye herpes (ophthalmic herpes) has the following common features:

the appearance of bubbles;
erosive plaque;
crust formation;
burning;
tingling sensation;
redness of the eyelid;
the spread of bubbles and crusts outside the eye - on the forehead, cheeks;
swelling on the eyelids;
hemorrhage;
pain;
clouding of the pupil.

Herpes of the eye is divided into the following types: shingles, follicular, catarrhal, vesicular-ulcerative. Each of the forms 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 of the eye, but also of the tissues surrounding the organ of vision.

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

In addition to pain, the patient has an increase in body temperature, and overall health worsens. Bubbles that appear on the mucous membrane of the eye, on the eyelids, are filled with a transparent liquid. The shingles spreads to the forehead, eyebrows, herpes occurs under the eye. There is an increase in nearby lymph nodes. The 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 turn red gradually, a small amount of liquid is released from the corners. Symptoms such as fever, general weakness, itching and burning are absent. Catarrhal ophthalmic herpes symptoms are more aggressive, characterized by the rapid spread of the virus around the eye. Herpes on the ocular-ulcerous has the symptoms that are standard for this virus - vesicles with contents, itching, crusting.

Possible complications

Herpes on the eyelid of the eye, despite the widespread spread of the virus and a large number of infected people, is a rather dangerous disease that, without timely treatment, can cause the development of severe eye pathologies. One of the diseases provoked by the herpes virus is keratitis. This ophthalmic disease manifests itself in the form of severe redness of the eye, swelling, and the spread of herpes foci. Keratitis, complicated by herpes, leads to a decrease in the 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, proceeds in an acute and subacute form. It is necessary to treat iridocyclitis immediately, since the disease quickly degenerates into a chronic sluggish state. Iridocyclitis, complicated by ocular herpes, has symptoms such as severe acute pain, rapid proliferation of vesicles with serous contents. Herpes and iridocyclitis have an extremely negative effect on vision, which rapidly decreases if a person does not seek medical help in a timely manner.

In the case when the treatment of ophthalmic herpes was incorrect or incomplete, there is a high probability of developing such a dangerous pathology of the organs of vision as necrosis (death) of the retina. Retinal necrosis against the background of herpes eye disease most often occurs in people with pathological weakening of the immune system in the presence of HIV, AIDS.

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

There are multiple inflammatory foci, which over time lead to a rapid detachment of the retina, there is an infiltration of the glass body of the eye. Without timely medical care, retinal necrosis with herpes leads to complete loss of vision.

Diagnostic methods

Possible complications of the organs of vision, which arise due to the development of ocular herpes, are caused by the fact that patients do not go to the 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 the mucosal lesion. For this, a comprehensive diagnostics is carried out.

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

The presence of bubbles 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 organs of vision by the virus, a number of medical tests are carried out, various diagnostic techniques are used.

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

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

Herpes of the eye, spreading 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, with conjunctivitis, therefore, without thorough diagnosis and passing laboratory tests, it is rather 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, erythrocytes, indicating the severity of the inflammatory process.

The most effective diagnostic method for determining herpes in 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 drawbacks - high cost and long waiting time for results (3 weeks).

Treatment features

Before treating herpes on the eye, it is necessary to undergo a thorough diagnosis, the results of which will help the ophthalmologist choose effective medicines. To relieve painful unpleasant symptoms, preparations of the local spectrum are prescribed - ointments. The 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 well-being, you must tell the doctor to change the drug.

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

With a pronounced symptomatic picture and severe pain syndrome, which is observed with herpes of the herpes zoster, a blockade is performed. The patient is prescribed anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. To speed up the healing of wet herpes vesicles and normalize the general condition of the patient, physiotherapy procedures are prescribed - UFO, UHF.

Treatment of ocular herpes is complex and lengthy, should be carried out only under the supervision of a physician. Even if it is not the first time a person has ocular herpes, and he is already relatively familiar with what needs to be done, diagnosis and consultation with a doctor is mandatory. With frequent eye herpes, the risk of complications increases. Along with the suppression of the pathogenic virus and symptomatic therapy, the patient is prescribed immunostimulating drugs to increase the protective functions of the immune system and reduce the likelihood of recurrence in the future.

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

In case of corneal virus infection, antibiotics are prescribed immediately.

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

Prevention measures

To reduce the risk of relapse, it is enough to carry out 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 on the eyes and other parts of the body. Exclude stress, mechanical and chemical eye injuries. Adequate rest, both moral and physical, is a guarantee that the herpes virus will not develop. How to treat eye herpes? Doctors recommend that people infected with the herpes virus get regular vaccinations to reduce the risk of herpes recurrence. This method of prevention is especially useful in the autumn-winter period, when the protective functions of the immune system are reduced against the background of a lack of vitamins and insufficient sunlight. The course of the preventive vaccine is carried out 2 times a year. The essence of the technique is the introduction of intradermal herpes vaccine.

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

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

Despite the high likelihood of relapses, 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 eye herpes.

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

Herpes infection enters the body through the mucous membranes and opening the wound. Therefore, it can affect the eyes, affecting the tissue of the conjunctiva, eyelids and other parts of the organs of vision. Ophthalmic herpes is known as ophthalmic herpes. In advanced cases, pathology leads to a decrease in vision, up to a complete loss. With eye herpes, symptoms and treatment are determined depending on the affected area, the severity of the disease, and the presence of concomitant complications.

Herpes in the eye develops most often against the background of infection of the body:

herperovirus of the first type;
Zoster virus (chickenpox).

Herpes under the eye, caused by infection with the Zoster virus, is detected mainly in young children of preschool age. Less commonly, pathology occurs due to exposure to cytomegalovirus or HSV 2 (genital herpes).

The peculiarity of herperoviruses is that it “settles” in the human body forever. This is equally true when ophthalmic herpes develops.

The appearance of herpes on the eyelid is explained by the fact that the infection occurred precisely through this zone. A viral infection always manifests itself in the area through which it entered the body. The exception is cases of generalized lesions.

Eye damage with herpes is caused by:

contact with carriers of infection;
the use of household items that were previously touched by the carrier of the virus (for example, they used the same dishes);
transfer of herperovirus from one part of the body to another.

If the virus enters the tissues, the body produces interferon, which interferes with the activity of the pathogenic agent. However, when immunity is poor, characteristic rashes appear and ocular herpes develops.

The course of the disease causes many unpleasant symptoms. In particular, patients with such a pathology are concerned about the question of how to relieve swelling with herpes. In addition, when the virus manifests itself on the cornea, keratitis (inflammation) provokes active lacrimation. The affected eye, upon relapse or due to primary infection, ceases to function and to perceive information about the surrounding reality.

Provoking factors

If the reasons for the development of herpes lie in external factors, then only internal processes can provoke a relapse of the disease. The consequences of the influence of herperoviruses on the body become noticeable against the background of a weakened immunity. The inability of natural defense mechanisms to prevent recurrence of the disease leads to the onset of symptoms of pathology.

Redness of the retina is considered a sign of reactivation of the herperovirus. Similar phenomena occur with a relapse of pathology, which occurs under the influence of the following factors:

damage to the cavity of the mucous membrane of the eye;
diseases of other organs (respiratory organs, liver, kidneys, and so on) of a chronic or acute nature;
severe stress;
long-term use of immunosuppressants and a number of other drugs;
during pregnancy, hormonal changes in the body.

There are also other factors, under the influence of which herpes of the eyes recurs. An important condition for the reactivation of the virus is the presence of a weakened immune system.

The course of the disease is accompanied by the appearance of bubbles on the eyelids and other parts. Because of them, the patient has a feeling of the presence of a foreign body in the eye. To avoid a relapse of the pathology, it is necessary to regularly carry out preventive measures.

These measures are aimed at getting rid of herpes. Disease prevention involves work on strengthening the immune system and timely treatment of concomitant pathologies. In addition, the HSV vaccine for ocular herpes can lengthen the duration of remission by 6 months.

The nature of the clinical picture depends on the form of ophthalmic herpes. In this case, the sore eye always turns red against the background of a relapse of the pathology.

Diagnostics of the herpes virus

Herpes on the eyelid must be differentiated from ophthalmic diseases that have similar symptoms. Diagnosis of ophthalmic herpes includes the following activities:

Slit lamp application. It is used in cases when the initial examination reveals the presence of seals over the eye of the skin, redness of the eyelid and other symptoms of infection with the herpes virus. The use of a slit lamp is mandatory if ophthalmic herpes is suspected.
RIF (immunofluorescence analysis). The method allows you to detect the presence of herpes infection in the composition of the affected cells. For this, material is taken from the problem area, followed by examination under a fluorescent microscope. RIF is considered the most accurate method for diagnosing herpes in the eye.
Linked immunosorbent assay. It is prescribed when previous methods for diagnosing herpes in the upper eyelid did not give accurate results. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay reveals the presence of a specific immunoglobulin in the patient's body.

Herpes remedies are selected based on the results obtained during the diagnosis of pathology. To date, drugs for this disease are available in the form of tablets and drops. In the presence of herpes on the eye, treatment is carried out using local antiviral drugs: cream, eye ointment.

To avoid the development of complications, when the first signs of the disease appear, it is necessary to seek help from a doctor. To prevent recurrence of ocular herpes, it is important to regularly follow preventive measures.

Symptoms of herpes in the eyes

Depending on the form and zone of localization of herpes ophthalmic symptoms may vary. At the same time, the signs of the disease are in many ways similar to the manifestations of other ophthalmic pathologies.

Usually, herpes in the eyes causes:

pain in the affected area;
reaction to light;
vision problems;
redness of the eyelids and eyes;
attacks of nausea and headaches (rare).

With herpes disease, the symptoms have a pronounced color. They can be used to distinguish ophthalmic herpes from other ocular pathologies. The course of the disease is accompanied by the appearance of rashes in the affected area and intense itching.

There are several forms of ocular herpes. They all have their own characteristics.

Herpetic dermatitis

Dermatitis manifests itself as:

itching and tingling in the affected area;
small bubbles, which become covered with a yellowish crust after a few days.

This form of ophthalmic herpes is characterized by an increase in body temperature.

Herpetic conjunctivitis

The first signs of conjunctivitis occur in one eye. Later, the symptoms of the disease become noticeable on both organs of vision. The patient becomes more sensitive to bright light. With conjunctivitis, transparent discharge constantly flows from the eyes, which is why the eyelids stick together in the morning. But the disease is also characterized by the appearance of rashes on the cornea and a feeling of dryness.

There are three forms of conjunctivitis caused by herpes infection. Follicular is characterized by a blurred clinical picture. The catarrhal form of the disease is more acute. Herpetic eruptions in the eyes appear with vesicular conjunctivitis.

Keratitis

Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea of the eye. There are several types of this disease:

marginal;
tree-like;
corneal erosion;
bullous;
discoid;
herpetic ulcer;
stromal.

The clinical picture for all types of the disease is similar to each other. The patient has:

pain in the eyes;
he is unable to open his eyes (blepharospasm);
photophobia;
active work of the lacrimal glands.

The course of keratitis provokes a decrease in the sensitivity of the cornea, which increases the likelihood of a secondary infection. It also develops a rash and infiltrates. Vesicles run along nerve fibers located in the cornea. When the rash breaks open, the patient experiences severe pain.

Disciform keratitis causes deeper damage to the tissues of the eye. With this disease, a dark zone forms around the corneal stroma. Even with the timely intervention of an ophthalmologist, the prognosis for discoid keratitis is unfavorable. Antiviral therapy in such circumstances is almost impossible to eliminate the darkening of the mucous membrane of the eye.

Disciform keratitis is often complicated by iridocyclitis. Depending on the form of the course (acute, subacute) and the nature of the pathological process (serous or serous-fibrous), the disease manifests itself in the form of the following symptoms:

damage to the eye vessels;
the pupil does not dilate;
swelling of the iris;
the appearance of adhesions between the iris and the lens;
pain and other symptoms.

Iridocyclitis is characterized by a chronic course.

Possible complications of eye herpes include acute retinal necrosis. It mainly occurs in immunocompromised patients. The main symptom of necrosis is complete loss of vision. Initially, problems arise with one eye, and after a few months, the pathological process affects the second.

Eye herpes treatment

If you suspect herpes ophthalmic, treatment is started only after the diagnosis. Without confirmation that the organs of vision are affected by the infection, it is impossible to start the therapy of pathology.

The choice of methods for treating ocular herpes is carried out by an ophthalmologist based on the results of diagnostics. Depending on the nature of the lesion and the individual characteristics of the patient, the following drugs are prescribed:

"Acyclovir". 5% ointment is used to treat the eyelids and the area around the eyes, 3% - the mucous membrane. In severe cases, Acyclovir tablets are prescribed.
Fenistil. It is considered a more effective drug in the fight against relapses of the disease.

When choosing how to treat herpes of the eye, complex therapy should be preferred. In addition to these drugs, it is recommended to use drops "Oftalmoferon". They prevent the spread of the virus to the cornea. It is enough to apply the product 2 drops 3 times a day for two weeks.

Topical preparations for the treatment of severe cases of herpes rash with the use of antiviral drugs in tablet form. The latter have an effect on the entire body, accelerating the patient's recovery. Antiviral tablets should be taken in a strictly prescribed dosage. Failure to comply with medical prescriptions leads to the development of complications.

Antiviral drugs in the treatment of ophthalmic herpes are recommended to be combined with immunomodulators such as "Poludan" or "Cycloferon". These drugs come in tablets or injections that are injected directly into the eye.

Regardless of the form of the disease, damage to the skin or mucous membrane requires antiseptic treatment. In the case of a secondary infection, antibiotics are used.

Ophthalmic herpes develops against the background of infection of the body with the herpes simplex virus. Pathology is chronic and recurs with weakened immunity. In the treatment of the disease, antiviral drugs of local and systemic action are used. Without specialized therapy, ophthalmic herpes leads to complete blindness.

Herpes on the human body can manifest itself in different ways. The most dangerous option is herpes in the eyes... Ophthalmic herpes is not dangerous in itself, its consequences are much worse - keratitis, that is damage to the cornea of the eye, leading to impaired vision and even blindness. It is the herpes virus that is the most common cause of keratitis, especially if it is recurrent. Without proper treatment, herpes affects more and more eye tissues, which means that vision loss becomes inevitable.

Ophthalmic herpes causes

Often the cause of herpes in the eye is the herpes simplex virus or herpes virus Zoster(chickenpox), although herpesvirus can cause eye herpes 2 types(genital), cytomegalovirus and herpes virus 6 types(causing roseola). All of these types of virus are incorporated into the cells of the body, where the formation of new viral particles occurs.

The note

The virus enters the body through the oral mucosa, respiratory system or sexually. You can get herpes by using the same dish or towel with the patient. First, the virus lives in the epithelial tissue, then moves to the blood and lymph, thanks to which it spreads throughout the body.

For the time being, the body resists viruses, as it is protected by the immune system. If the virus enters the mucous membrane of the eye, then the interferon produced by the mucous membrane prevents it from spreading. Also, the tissues of the eye are protected by immunoglobulins contained in the lacrimal fluid. The virus that causes herpes in the eyes can “sleep” in the nerve nodes for a very long time.

If, for some reason, immunity decreases, the herpes virus becomes stronger and manifests itself in the form of ophthalmic herpes. A decrease in immunity occurs as a result of the following situations:

hypothermia;
prolonged exposure to the sun;
infectious diseases;
stress;
eye injuries;
the use of certain drugs (immunosuppressants, cytostatics, etc.);
pregnancy.

The virus "sleeping" until this moment "wakes up" and comes to the surface in the form of characteristic bubbles. This variant of the development of the disease is called endogenous... The exogenous pathway is when infection occurs directly through the herpes vesicles - the liquid from them, containing viruses in high concentration, enters the mucous membrane of the eyes, as a result of which infection with ophthalmic herpes occurs... This path is especially typical for children who play together and can infect each other through direct touch.

Herpes on the eyes - symptoms

Eye herpes can be confused with allergies or diseases caused by bacteria ( conjunctivitis, blepharitis, or bacterial keratitis). All inflammatory eye diseases - including herpes - are accompanied by the following symptoms:

soreness;
distortion and impairment of visual acuity, especially at dusk;
photophobia;
lacrimation.

Local symptoms can be supplemented by general ones - headache, nausea, swollen lymph nodes and fever.

Specific symptoms of herpes in the eyes, by which it can be distinguished from other diseases:

severe burning and itching of the skin on the eyelids and around the eyes;
the appearance of bubbles with liquid inside, which then burst and ulcerate.

Forms of herpes

Ophthalmic herpes differs from other types of herpes in a large number of manifestations, and symptoms with relapses can be very different. Depending on the damage to the tissues of the eye, the following main forms of herpes on the eyes are distinguished:

How to identify herpes

Symptoms of a cold of the eye, as cold sores are often called, are similar to those of other conditions. The exact diagnosis is ophthalmologist who conducts a slit lamp examination, resulting in ulceration and other corneal lesions, as well as inflammation of the eye vessels. Also in a hospital setting scraping of cells from the affected mucous membrane or skin is performed, which is studied with a fluorescent microscope.

The note

Another diagnostic method is enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, thanks to which it is possible to detect the presence of antibodies to the virus.

The listed diagnostic methods are required for damage to the cornea and blood vessels. As a rule, herpetic lesions of the mucous membrane of the eyes and skin of the eyelids are noticeable without a medical examination. Herpes on the eyelid is characterized by multiple eruptions in the form of small bubbles with lymph - a liquid that gradually becomes cloudy. The blisters are painful and itchy. If you scratch the sore, it spreads even more.

What is the danger of herpes in the eyes

If herpes is localized on the surface, then adequate treatment allows you to get rid of it without negative consequences. If deeper tissues are affected, then the following consequences are possible:

clouding of the cornea;
decreased visual acuity;
retinal hemorrhages;
retinal detachment (complete or partial);
cataract;
glaucoma;
death of the retina;
complete loss of vision.

Serious vision problems arise, of course, not from primary herpes, but if it is not treated, it will recur, each time affecting the deeper structures of the eye, which will lead to irreversible consequences.

Herpes in the eye of a child

In childhood, risk factors for the manifestation of herpes in the eyes are hypothermia, overheating, excessive exposure to the sun, stress, hormonal changes in the body, vaccinations, microtraumas of the eye. Children often ophthalmic herpes is accompanied by herpetic eruptions on the lips... In addition to the appearance of bubbles on the eyelids and lips, you need to pay attention to the following symptoms:

redness of the eye;
lacrimation;
itchy eyelids;
Pain in the eyes;
feeling of grit in the eyes.

All these symptoms indicate the development of herpes in the eyes. In this case, you should immediately consult a doctor. Ophthalmoferon drops can be used as first aid before a doctor's appointment to relieve discomfort and suppress the activity of the virus.

Attention

It is categorically impossible to engage in self-medication for herpes in children! Incorrectly selected therapy or lack of treatment will lead to serious problems, including loss of vision.

Particular attention should be paid to the prevention of herpes in the eyes of a child. To do this, you need to lead a healthy lifestyle, observe the daily routine, get enough sleep, not overcool and not overwork. It is worth taking vitamins seasonally, special eye complexes containing blueberry extract are especially useful.

Treatment of herpes in the eyes

How to treat a cold in the eye? It depends on the form of the disease. If only superficial tissues are affected, there will be enough medication to relieve discomfort and to suppress the activity of the virus.

There are four types of drugs that are used to treat herpes in the eyes in combination:

antiviral;
immunomodulatory agents;
specific immunotherapy (herpes vaccine);
symptomatic remedies: vitamins, pain relievers, decongestants, etc.

If the deep tissues of the eye are affected, only surgery will help: coagulation(thermal or laser), keratoplasty and other types of operations that will localize or remove the affected tissue.

Antivirals for treating herpes in the eyes

The mucous membrane of the eye differs from the skin, therefore, to apply drugs to it, forms are used that do not irritate the mucous membrane. To suppress the activity of the herpes virus, eye ointments and drops are used, as well as tablets and injections.

The most effective drugs for treating herpes in the eyes:

Acyclovir- with this form of the disease, it is taken orally in the form of tablets (0.2 grams up to 5 times a day), and the ointment is also applied topically. You can use Zovirax or Virolex;
Valacyclovir- for the treatment of ophthalmic herpes, only tablets are used, for example, Valtrex 0.5 grams twice a day. Once in the human body, valacyclovir turns into acyclovir, which is most active against the herpes virus;
Oftan-IMU (idoxuridine, keracin, etc.)- This is a special drug for the treatment of herpes in the eyes. It is produced in the form of drops containing a thymine analog. The drug prevents the virus from multiplying and suppresses its activity. Drops are instilled often - every hour. With prolonged use, the drug can lead to corneal damage;
TFT (trifluorothymidine)- one more drops, similar to Oftan-IMU, but with less toxic effects;
Vidarabin- gel against ocular herpes, which is applied to the conjunctiva up to five times a day;
Tebrofen, Ryodoxol, Bonafton- ointments against herpes, they are applied to the skin of the eyelids affected by herpes, and put behind the eyelids.

Immune drugs in the treatment of ophthalmic herpes

Herpes is a sign of decreased immunity, that is why in case of herpetic eruptions, immunocorrection is carried out, for which preparations of interferon and immunoglobulins are used.

Immunoglobulins for non-specific therapy for herpes - interlock and interferon-alpha, as well as reaferon:

Interlock and interferon alpha- These are preparations in the form of drops based on donor blood, which contain human leukocyte interferons. They modify cell membranes so that the virus does not enter them.
Reaferon- a synthetic preparation of a bacterial nature containing human interferon. Means in the form of drops for instillation in the eye. Can also be injected into the eye area.

In addition to immunoglobulin preparations, interferon inducers are used:

noon;
levamisole;
amiksin;
lycopid;
cycloferon;
thymalin.

These drugs can be taken in pill form, as well as in the form of injections, in some cases, injections are given periocularly, that is directly into the eye... Thanks to the intake of these drugs, the production of its own interferon by the human body increases. And if taking immunoglobulins can cause allergies, then interferon inducers have practically no side effects.

Herpes vaccine

A herpes vaccine has been developed from inactivated herpes simplex viruses and herpes simplex type 2. The vaccine is administered for recurrent ophthalmic herpes strictly during the period without exacerbation of the disease, you can repeat the introduction of the vaccine no earlier than six months later. Vaccines on the market from different manufacturers, the most famous of which are Vitagerpevak and Gerpovax of Russian production, as well as Gerpevak of production of Belgium.

Also, for specific immunocorrection for herpes in the eyes, antiherpetic interferon is used in the form of an ointment, which is applied topically. Gerpferon consists from recombinant interferon and 3% acyclovir Thus, the drug blocks the action of the virus and protects healthy cells from it.

Concomitant medicinal products

Herpetic eye infections are often accompanied by pain and cramps. To relieve spasms, use mydriatics (Atropine, Irifrin and others). Also, in case of serious tissue damage, the eyes are prescribed antiseptics and antibiotics.

Often bacterial infections are added to herpes. Antiseptics and antibiotics are used to treat this complication. Most effective for treating concomitant infections cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones... Antibiotics are administered by injection or in the form of drops, tetracycline and erythromycin ointments are also used.

Attention!

Antibiotics should not be taken without a doctor's prescription and bacteriological examination!

Herpetic eye damage - especially difficult - is treated with a large number of drugs, which can lead to an allergic reaction. To warn her, usually prescribe antihistamines such as Suprastin, Tavegil etc.

For a speedy recovery, appoint vitamin preparations, as well as agents that enhance the supply of blood to the eye. These are nicotinic acid, vitamins A, C, group B, pentoxifylline.

Folk remedies

The mucous membrane of the eye is a very delicate tissue, which is undesirable to influence irritating substances. Effective a folk remedy for treating herpes in the eyes is garlic juice, but you can't recommend it to everyone. Individual eye reactions can be unpredictable.

It is better to use milder products:

infusion of marshmallow flowers - for washing the eyes, the infusion is prepared from 2 tablespoons of dried flowers, brewed with a glass of boiling water;
honey with water in a ratio of 1 to 2 - to be instilled into the eyes;
fresh dill juice compress relieves inflammation;
gruel from grated fresh potatoes - such a lotion relieves pain and burning;
rosehip berry infusion - used for washing the eyes and compresses, relieves inflammation and pain;
Aloe juice diluted with water (1:10) is instilled into the eye and used for compresses.

It should be borne in mind that folk remedies are designed to alleviate the patient's condition, but they do not cure the disease. They cannot resist the virus. Therefore, you cannot use only folk remedies.

Prevention of herpes in the eyes

Herpes in front of our eyes is dangerous for its frequent relapses. Therefore, it is important not to let the virus spread..

To prevent herpes from spreading to other people, it is important:

observe personal hygiene,
use individual dishes and towels,
exclude direct contact with the patient.

The note

A person prone to manifestations of herpes in the eyes should lead a healthy lifestyle, avoid hypothermia or overheating in the sun, and not overwork.

To strengthen immunity, and therefore to prevent herpes, walks in the fresh air and physical education, hardening, proper nutrition and taking multivitamins are useful. At the first manifestations of herpes in the eyes, you should consult a doctor and choose adequate therapy in order to prevent the development of the herpes virus in the body and complex lesions of the eye.

Herpes in the eye (ophthalmic herpes) is a contagious disease. The herpes virus is present in 99% of people. But it is activated with the manifestation of characteristic symptoms only with weakened immunity.

Many people are faced with the occurrence of herpes sores on the lips, the skin around the mouth. Is there a herpes on the eye, is it dangerous? on the visual organ - a characteristic symptom of ophthalmic herpes. Ophthalmic herpes is dangerous because it affects the cornea and deeper structures of the eye. This leads to visual impairment, in severe cases leads to blindness.

Ophthalmic herpes is caused by herpes viruses. With sufficient immunity, the virus lives in the nerve ganglia without manifesting itself. With a decrease in the protective function of the immune system (hypothermia, prolonged colds, immunodeficiencies), the virus can wake up. In more than 70% of cases, type 1 herpes is activated. Less than 30% is accounted for by viruses of other types: cytomegalovirus, chickenpox, genital form.

For adults, the activation of the herpes virus already present in the body is characteristic. In children, ophthalmic herpes often develops upon contact with a sick person, when a large amount of infected biomaterial enters the optic organ. This happens when sneezing, coughing, during contact children's games.

Classification

Ophthalmic herpes can be located in different places: herpes under the eye, above the eye, directly in the visual organ itself. The types of the disease depend on the localization of the herpetic vesicles:

Herpes on the eyelid - dermatitis. Visually, red eyelids are observed with herpes in an adult in combination with edema. May be accompanied by damage to the conjunctiva -.
Conjunctivitis is a herpetic lesion of the mucous membrane of the eye.
- damage to the cornea. Allocate stromal, trophic type of keratitis, corneal ulcer. Herpes on the cornea of the eye has dangerous complications.
The defeat of the choroid, iris, ciliary body virus is called herpetic uveitis.
Retinal necrosis is an irreversible violation of the structure of the retina.
Neuritis - damage to the optic nerve.

Allocate an epithelial form (superficial lesion), tree-like (the lesion looks like a tree branch), geographical (looks like a geographical map), discoid (areas of the cornea lesion, similar in shape to discs).

The deeper the herpes virus penetrates, the more serious the consequences. It is necessary to start antiviral therapy and strengthen the immune system as early as possible.

Watch a video showing different types of eye herpes in a photo collage:

Causes of the disease

The appearance of herpes on the eyelid is caused by a violation of the immune system. Reasons for decreased immunity:

colds;
frequent hypothermia or overheating;
severe course of chronic diseases;
hormonal diseases;
stress;
treatment with immunosuppressants, cytostatics (drugs that destroy cells of the immune system);
pregnancy, postpartum period;
primary and secondary immunodeficiency;
contact with contaminated hygiene items: towels, cosmetics; with contaminated toys;
trauma to the optic organ.

One or more of the reasons may not cause cold sores. This happens depending on the individual characteristics of the organism. Some people live and do not know about the presence of the virus, and some face exacerbations several times a year.

Symptoms of the disease

Herpes begins with general symptoms. The incubation period is from 2 days to 1 week.

If herpes affects the skin, then a burning sensation appears, the skin turns red, itches. When the virus is localized on the mucous membrane of the eye, lacrimation, redness of the conjunctiva, photophobia, and discharge from the eyes are noted. If the cornea is affected, then these symptoms are joined (involuntary closing of the eyelids), a feeling of sand in the eyes, blurred vision.

When herpes has become active in the eye in the deep layers, the symptoms become more pronounced: pain appears when moving the eyeballs, flickering flashes, a veil in front of the eyes, double vision, a sharp deterioration in visual functions, headache.

At the end of the incubation period, typical signs of herpes appear - painful rashes in the form of bubbles with a clear liquid. The content of the bubbles becomes cloudy after a few days. The bubbles burst, after which a crust forms.

Herpes infection is characterized by an increase in lymph nodes, sometimes an increase in body temperature. Symptoms of the disease persist for 3-5 days. Further, recovery occurs, if complications have not developed.

Diagnostics

Early diagnosis allows you to quickly establish the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment. During the examination, the doctor will diagnose the typical manifestations of herpes on the upper or lower eyelid, conjunctiva, on the eyeball. Additionally, laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods will be required:

Biomicroscopy. An ophthalmologist examines the fundus through a slit lamp. Assesses the state of the retinal vessels, localization, prevalence, nature of pathological foci.
Immunofluorescence reaction (RIF). The doctor takes a scraping from the affected area around the eyes or from the conjunctiva. With a deeper localization of the process, discharge from the eyes is taken for research. Then the resulting material is treated with special antibodies labeled with fluorochrome. Fluorochrome is a synthetic compound that creates a visible glow when exposed to ultraviolet light. If the virus is present in the biomaterial, then under ultraviolet light, the doctor will see a glow.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). It allows you to determine the presence of immunoglobulins M and G in the blood. Immunoglobulin M is responsible for an acute process in the body, immunoglobulin G - for a chronic one. That is, if you have identified only the second type, then this indicates the presence of a virus in an inactive stage. If both types are identified, this indicates an exacerbation of the infectious process. If only the first type, then this is a primary infection at an early stage.

How and how to treat herpes under the eye

Herpes of the eye requires complex treatment. Therapy should combine antiviral agents in the form of tablets and eye ointments, drops, immunomodulatory drugs (based on immunoglobulins, interferon inducers), symptomatic agents (for moisturizing, relieving inflammation).

Antibacterial agents are sometimes required.

Antiviral pills: Acyclovir, Zovirax, Famciclovir, Valacyclovir.
Antiviral ointment "Acyclovir", cream "Fenistil Pencivir", antiviral drops with immunomodulatory action "Oftalmoferon".
Immunomodulatory drugs: Interlok drops, Gerpferon ointment, Viferon rectal suppositories, Cycloferon tablets, Reaferon injections.
Antibacterial agents for secondary infection: ointments "Tetracycline", "Erythromycin", drops "Tobrex", "Albucid", "Floxal".

Symptomatic drops:

For moisturizing, accelerating healing in case of herpes: Vizin eye drops.
For the removal of allergic manifestations: "Opatanol".
To relieve inflammation: "Indocollir".

During the period of remission, when there are no clinical manifestations of infection, you can use the antiherpetic vaccine: Vitagerpavak, Gerpovax. The vaccine is created from inactivated viruses of types 1 and 2. It is entered several times at regular intervals. Recommended for frequent recurrences of infection.

Folk remedies

Treatment with folk remedies will help alleviate the course of herpes. To wash the eyes, use an infusion of rosehip berries, marshmallow flowers. Soak cotton pads in the finished infusion cooled to room temperature and wipe your eyes. You can fill the container with infusion and blink.

Finely grated raw potatoes can be applied as a compress. For compresses, dill juice and diluted aloe juice are suitable. To do this, 1 part of the juice of aloe leaves must be mixed with 10 parts of boiled water.

Folk remedies relieve burning sensation, reduce signs of inflammation, and soothe the skin. Do not use aggressive ingredients: garlic, alcohol-containing tinctures. They will harm the affected areas. The positive effect of traditional therapy for herpes can be obtained only when combined with drugs.

Features of the treatment of herpes in a child

A feature of herpes infection in children - herpes on the eye in a child often begins with lesions on the lips. Then, when combing the bubbles, the child can bring the virus into the visual organ. To do this, it is enough to rub your eyes with pens containing the virus. Ophthalmic herpes is possible with chickenpox (chickenpox).

Newborns are prescribed Derinat immunomodulating drops. Older children - drops "Oftalmoferon", candles "Viferon", ointment 3% "Acyclovir". "Acyclovir" in children under 2 years of age is prescribed only in a hospital setting.

Complications and prognosis

Early initiation of antiviral therapy in combination with the correction of immune disorders provides a positive prognosis. Complete recovery is achieved.

Bursting blisters on the skin near the eye form a crust. If you do not rip it off, then it moves away on its own, leaving no traces. When an infection joins, suppuration develops, which is cured with antibacterial drugs.

Severe complications develop if herpes penetrates into the deep-lying structures of the optic organ: it affects the vessels of the eye, the retina, and the nerve. Possible complications:

retinal disinsertion;
hemorrhage;
complete or partial blindness;
secondary cataract;
increased intraocular pressure (glaucoma).

Video: doctor about the disease

We invite you to watch a video where an allergist-immunologist will talk about ophthalmic herpes, the reasons for its appearance and methods of treatment:

Prophylaxis

To maintain good immunity, you need to eat right. The daily diet should contain fruits and vegetables. In spring and autumn, it is recommended to drink a course of multivitamins. Take a walk in the fresh air every day. Go in for sports. Master the method of hardening the body.

During an exacerbation of the process, use personal hygiene products, limit household contamination through common objects, ventilate the room more often, carry out wet cleaning.

When the first signs of illness appear, start antiviral treatment as early as possible. This can stop the process early. If herpes is regularly exacerbated, then take a long course of anti-relapse therapy. It lasts several months and promotes stable remission.