What You Should Know About Eye Herpes

Eye herpes, or HSV keratitis, is a common eye infection typically caused by type 1 herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) — the same virus that causes cold sores. It affects approximately 1.5 million people worldwide each year and is one of the most common causes of infectious blindness in the USA and Canada.

How Does Eye Herpes Spread?

People typically contract eye herpes by touching a cold sore and then touching the eyes. Once contracted, the virus stays in the body for life. It can remain dormant for months or even years before causing a flare-up.

Symptoms of Eye Herpes

Symptoms include tearing, redness, irritation, eye sores, watery discharge, sensitivity to light, headache, a feeling of something in the eye, blisters or rash on the eyelids, and reduced or blurred vision.

What Triggers Flare-Ups?

Major stressors can trigger an outbreak, including emotional distress, excessive sun exposure, fever, major surgeries, refractive surgery, and trauma. A weakened immune system also increases reactivation risk.

Can It Be Prevented?

While there is no foolproof prevention, keeping your eyes and hands clean — especially during cold sore outbreaks — reduces risk. Avoid touching your eyes if you or someone nearby has an active outbreak.

Treatment

There is no cure for eye herpes, but antiviral medications (eye drops, ointment, or oral) can prevent vision loss and help control future outbreaks. Early treatment — ideally within 72 hours — can significantly improve outcomes.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of eye herpes, call Miamisburg Vision Care in Miamisburg to promptly schedule your eye exam.