How Does Shingles Affect the Eyes?

What is shingles?

Shingles is a viral infection that affects many parts of the body. This particular virus is called the herpes varicella-zoster. The varicella portion of the virus causes chickenpox. After the chickenpox has cleared, the virus becomes dormant in specific nerve roots. If this virus is reactivated later in life, it is called shingles. Shingles is only contagious to people who have never had chickenpox. A reduction in one’s immunity can cause such a reactivation. Such reduction in immunity may include aging, UV exposure, stress or organ transplantation.

What are the signs and symptoms of shingles?

Shingles usually causes a skin rash on one side of the body.  This outbreak is more painful and itchy than that of chickenpox. The face, eyelids, scalp, tip of the nose, ears, back and abdomen are commonly affected. Before the rash begins, it is usually preceded by general malaise, fever, chills and pain. The skin rash presents as small fluid-filled blisters that take around five days to break open and up to four weeks to heal. Approximately 20 per cent of those affected by shingles experience post-herpetic neuralgia. This stage is characterized by pain that continues for months or even years after the initial blisters heal.

How does shingles affect the eyes?

The symptoms of shingles affecting the eye can mimic those of many other eye conditions. The eye can be red, inflamed, blurred or feel irritated. If you are experiencing these symptoms, especially if you have been previously diagnosed with shingles on your face, it is important that you visit your optometrist to rule out any eye involvement. Corneal ulcers may develop during a shingles infection that could potentially lead to scars that can cause permanent vision loss.

How do you treat shingles?

It is typically treated with oral antiviral medications. Initiating treatment as soon as possible reduces the risk of complications from shingles. Topical creams can help alleviate the discomfort from the skin rash. If the eye is affected, anti-inflammatory drops may also be used. Antiviral medication, however, does not kill the virus, but rather forces the virus into dormancy again. Reactivation of shingles can occur at any time in the future.

How can an optometrist help?

As you age, you become more susceptible to changes in vision and eye health issues. The Ontario Association of Optometrists recommends that every senior receive an eye exam once a year, to detect any problems with vision and eye health before they impact your life. Optometrists will treat and manage any vision problems, eye diseases and conditions to make sure you are able to continue living a safe, independent and active lifestyle. To find an optometrist near you, visit findaneyedoctor.ca.

This article comes courtesy of the Ontario Association of Optometrists (optom.on.ca).