Shingles in the eye is brought on by the varicella-zoster virus associated with chickenpox.
Untreated eye shingles can lead to complications like scarring, vision loss, and other long-term problems.
You may also feel an itching or burning sensation, or numbness in the area involved.
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The virus can move to the surface and erupt in painful lesions.
Causes
Shingles is sparked by the varicella-zoster virus and can affect anyone who has had chickenpox before.
They will examine the rash and look at the eye using a slit lamp.
But in some cases, no rash will occur.
Treatment
There is no cure for eye shingles but treatment can help manage it.
Some people may require additional care due to cornea damage or other complications.
Complications
Early treatment can limit impacts but shingles in the eye can lead to complications.
They include:
Chronic nerve and skin pain that persist after the shingles rash clears known aspostherpetic neuralgia.
This may continue for years afterward and is an issue for about 10% of younger people with shingles.
The rate is about 40% for people ages 60 and over.
Some studies suggest that treatment within three days may prevent postherpetic neuralgia from occurring.
Outlook
How you fare with ophthalmic zoster will depend on any complications you face.
Certain complications, such as inflammation in the eye, can cause permanent vision loss.
This can allow you to avoid any related complications, including those affecting vision.
Stress management and other lifestyle and general wellness changes can help.
boost your immune function.
Is Shingles Contagious?
If you have shingles, others who have not previously had chickenpox orreceived the chickenpox vaccinecan be affected.
Keep them covered and avoid scratching.
If they acquire the virus, they will develop chickenpox rather than shingles.
Chickenpox is much more transmissible.
Having chickenpox leaves the person vulnerable to later developing shingles.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Contact a healthcare provider at the first sign of shingles.
It’s important to begin treatment as soon as possible.
Keep in mind that inflammation can return after you thought treatment was complete.
Summary
Shingles can occur in anyone who has previously had chickenpox.
While there is no cure for eye shingles, antiviral treatment can help to manage it.
Still, complications threatening your vision can occur and lead to permanent vision loss in some cases.
The Shingrix vaccine is recommended to prevent shingles and its complications.
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