Ocular herpes Zoster

Posted by sb4ca @sb4ca, Jul 3, 2023

HI, so last week I had a second ocular herpes eye infection though this time I also got the cutaneous skin lesions along with the inside of my mouth and throat. The ramifications of this disease is incredible and I already have scars from the first time. Just wanting to hear about other people's experience with this? This time the infection caused a foggy like visual abnormality. I've got stromal keratitis along with ulcerations. Anybody have a comment on this?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Eye Conditions Support Group.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jul 3, 2023

Hi @sb4ca, Sorry to hear you had a second ocular herpes eye infection with additional symptoms. It is a terrible disease. I wasn't able to find other members who have posted about ocular herpes zoster but hopefully members with experience can join the discussion and share what they've learned and experienced. While you wait for others to join the discussion I thought you might find the following information helpful.

--- How to manage herpes zoster ophthalmicus: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7205171/
--- Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus - Eye Disorders: https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/eye-disorders/corneal-disorders/herpes-zoster-ophthalmicus

sb4ca | @sb4ca | Jul 3, 2023

In reply to @johnbishop "Hi @sb4ca, Sorry to hear you had a second ocular herpes eye infection with additional symptoms...." + (show)

I’ve done a lot of research on this too because I also have a primary immune issue as well and I believe that made it much worse than those with those who have normal immunity It’s very odd there are no posts about herpes zoster as well But no problem and thanks for your input

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jul 4, 2023

@sb4ca - You might want to look for discussions and posts on shingles using the search function on Connect.

"Why is shingles called herpes zoster?
Varicella-zoster is part of a group of viruses called herpes viruses. This is the same group that includes the viruses that cause cold sores and genital herpes. As a result, shingles is also known as herpes zoster."
--- Shingles: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/symptoms-causes/syc-20353054

There are quite a few older discussions on shingles. Here's one of the newer ones from 2020 with current posts.
--- Anyone else dealing with shingles?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/shingles-6/

beebe | @beebe | Oct 11 7:55am

Are you taking acyclovir at the first sign of a lesion/cold sore? I have a friend who contracted ocular herpes after a cornea transplant and since then has taken acyclovir at the first sign of a cold sore. The Doctor told him to slam the virus early and hard (high dose). Unfortunately, a daily dose of acyclovir makes the virus immune to the medication so you have to save it for active outbreaks. Let me know if you are interested in the dosing protocol and I will ask my friend. This virus really sucks.