Herpes can get in the eye
Luise Heine has been an editor at since 2012. The qualified biologist studied in Regensburg and Brisbane (Australia) and gained experience as a journalist in television, in the Ratgeber-Verlag and in a print magazine. In addition to her work at , she also writes for children, for example for the Stuttgarter Kinderzeitung, and has her own breakfast blog, “Kuchen zum Frühstück”.
More posts by Luise Heine All content is checked by medical journalists.Whenever you can least use it, it disfigures the lips - herpes. However, the disease is not always limited to the mouth - with some, the virus can also affect the eyes. It's not entirely safe!
For most people, herpes simplex is a lifelong companion: They become infected with the virus in childhood. It is estimated that they have taken root in 90 percent of the population and are dormant in the nerve cells of their victims. The unsightly vesicles do not affect every virus carrier: "Cold sores occur in up to 30 percent of the adult population," explains Prof. Andreas Sauerbrei from the Institute for Virology and Antiviral Therapy at the University of Jena.
Virus in a deep slumber
Normally, the immune system can keep the virus in check - it remains in a deep slumber. There are, however, various factors that can lead to a surge in the number of pathogens and itchy wheals and blisters. These include external factors such as strong solar radiation, stress or, in women, the hormone fluctuations in the monthly cycle. It has been known for a short time that a genetic component also obviously plays a role. It helps determine how susceptible you are to blistering.
Eye hazard
From mouth to eye - the way is not far. And indeed: the virus can in rare cases also get into the eye through smear infection or transmission in microdroplets via the air. And then it can get dangerous. "If the beginning of an ocular herpes is not recognized, it can lead to inflammation of the cornea with scarring," explains Sauerbrei. This clouding of the cornea sometimes severely restricts vision - in extreme cases, up to blindness. In rare cases, the infection can spread to other areas of the eye. That is why the suspicion of herpes on the eye is an urgent case for the ophthalmologist.
Foreign body sensation and itching
But how do you even know that the virus has found its way into the eye? The cold sores typical of cold sores are not a sure indicator, they are not always a symptom. Red eyes with itching and burning, increased fluid secretion and sticky eyes in the morning are possible signs, according to the virus expert. And: Many of those affected complained of nasty pain in the eye. Sauerbrei explains: "The swelling of the conjunctiva caused by the accumulation of inflammatory cells leads to a distinct feeling of foreign bodies." If the disease progresses, this can also be noticeable in the form of impaired visual performance.
It doesn't work without medication
Due to the dreaded complications, there is no avoiding the use of medication in the case of herpes on the eye. In most cases, active ingredients are used that inhibit the virus from multiplying. Typical examples are acyclovir or trifluridine. “They can be administered as ointments or eye drops, but also in the form of tablets,” says Sauerbrei. This is usually a good way to get the acute outbreak under control.
Your own towel for your face
Basically: Anyone who suffers from acute herpes with weeping pustules should pay particular attention to their hygiene. "Herpes simplex viruses are very sensitive to physical and chemical influences and can be rendered harmless by practically all common disinfectants," explains Sauerbrei. Regular hand washing or disinfection should therefore be a matter of course. Another tip: Use two separate towels or washcloths for the face and the rest of the body - which of course only the virus carrier uses. After the herpes symptoms have subsided, the washing utensils should be washed at at least 60 degrees.
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