What Are Ocular Shingles?

Ocular shingles is a virus that causes a painful rash on the skin around the eye, face, and scalp. In some cases, it can also affect the eye itself. It’s caused by the same virus as chickenpox. 

The risk of contracting ocular shingles is more common as you age—it’s typically seen in those aged 50+. 

Ocular Shingles: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

• What causes ocular shingles?
• What are the symptoms of ocular shingles?
• How is ocular shingles treated?

What causes ocular shingles?

The varicella zoster virus (also called herpes zoster) causes the common—generally childhood—disease of chickenpox. After you’ve been infected, the virus remains dormant in the body. Sometimes this can reactivate into a condition known as shingles.

As we age, this becomes more likely. It can also occur if you take any medication that lowers immunity or have a disease that reduces the body’s ability to fight infection. Some other factors that can also increase the likelihood of getting shingles include:

• Anxiety and stress.
• Tiredness and fatigue.
• Chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
• Poor nutrition.

Shingles can occur anywhere on the body. When it affects the upper area of the face, the eye, and the scalp, it’s called ocular shingles.

Around 10% - 20% of people who get shingles also develop ocular shingles.

What are the symptoms of ocular shingles?

The symptoms of ocular shingles include:

• A tingling, itching, burning feeling. This lasts anywhere from 1-3 days.
• A red, painful rash then develops.
• Small blisters appear. These scab over. This stage can last from 3-6 weeks.
• The eyelid can swell.
• The skin around the eye can become inflamed and infected.
• Pink eye (conjunctivitis), with or without a discharge.
• The cornea can become infected—a condition called keratitis. This can cause pain, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and a red eye.
• The interior of the eye can become inflamed. The clinical name for this depends on the area of infection, but is either uveitis or iritis.
• The retina can also become inflamed.
• It can also raise the pressure within the eye.

Suffice to say, getting ocular shingles is not pleasant and requires dedicated ophthalmologic care.

How is ocular shingles treated?

The treatment will depend on the severity of symptoms. It usually includes steroid eye drops to reduce inflammation and some antiviral medication. Other eye drops to address the pain and any increase in pressure might also be needed.

You’ll also be advised to take pain relief. This could include over-the-counter meds or your eye doctor might prescribe you something stronger. You’ll need to practise exemplary hand hygiene and resist the urge to touch your face and eyes. You won’t be able to wear contact lenses until the infection is fully cleared. 

During the earlier stages, shingles is contagious (it can cause chicken pox in those who haven’t had it). You should avoid contact with very young babies, pregnant women who’ve not had chickenpox, and anyone with compromised immunity.

Ocular shingles raises the risk of cataracts, glaucoma, and corneal scarring. In rare cases, it can cause loss of vision. Therefore, early treatment is essential. There’s a vaccine against shingles. The CDC recommends that everyone over the age of 50 gets it, as well as those of any age with a compromised immune system.

Ocular Shingles Can Cause Cataracts. Get the Best Treatment at the Modern Cataract Surgery Clinic

One or multiple cases of ocular shingles requires dedicated treatment. Whether this is to address the condition or any secondary problem that might occur, such as cataracts, you’re naturally going to demand the best care.

The Modern Cataract Surgery clinic is the specialist cataract arm of the renowned West Boca Eye Center. Your eyesight is precious and deserves the ultimate care from expert clinicians.

Don’t leave your vision to chance. Visit https://www.moderncataractsurgery.com/ for information and call us today to discover why we’re the provider of choice for every area of vision and eye health.