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WHAT IS HERPES KERATITIS?

Herpes keratitis is a type of eye infection caused by a virus from the herpes family, usually type 1 herpes simplex. The herpes simplex virus is commonly known for causing flu-like symptoms and cold sores. People usually acquire the herpes simplex virus during childhood, but the virus does not cause symptoms for many years until some type of physical or emotional stressor activates it.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HERPES KERATITIS?

Signs and symptoms include painful inflammation and ulcers (open sores) of the cornea. The cornea is the clear covering at the front of the eyeball. The type of ulcer that occurs in herpes keratitis is often referred to as a dendritic (tree-shaped) ulcer because of its tree-like and branching shape. These ulcers can actually cause scars on the cornea. The whites of the eyes are also inflamed in herpes keratitis.

WHAT ARE COMPLICATIONS OF HERPES KERATITIS?

Herpes keratitis can cause vision loss and even blindness if not treated (see next section). In fact, herpes keratitis is the most common cause of blindness due to corneal damage in the United States.

HOW IS HERPES KERATITIS TREATED?

Herpes keratitis is treated with anti-viral medication in the form of eye drops or pills taken by mouth. This prevents the infection from penetrating deeper into the eyeball. The deeper the infection gets into the eye, the more difficult it is to treat and control and the more likely it is to cause permanent damage and blindness.

WHAT IS THE PROGNOSIS FOR PEOPLE WITH HERPES KERATITIS?

Prognosis is relatively good provided the condition is treated early. However, despite treatment, the herpes virus continues to live in the body, causing additional flare-ups when exposed to stressors. The stressor can be emotional (e.g., anxiety) or physical (e.g., fever, eye injury, sunburn).

WHAT ELSE IS HERPES KERATITIS KNOWN AS?

Herpes keratitis is also known as herpetic keratitis, herpes corneae, and herpetic keratoconjunctivitis.

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF THE TERM, HERPES KERATITIS?

Herpes keratitis comes from the Greek word "herpes" meaning "a spreading skin eruption," the Greek word “keras” meaning “horn,” and the Greek word “itis” meaning “inflammation.” Put the words together and you get “a spreading skin eruption (and) horn inflammation.”