How is herpetic eye disease diagnosed?
The two types of herpetic eye disease have different symptoms. One thing they have in common, however, is that they can both be very painful because they affect the nerves directly. The problem is likely to be herpes zoster ophthalmicus if your eye doctor finds some or all of these symptoms: • Pain in and around only one eye • Redness, rash, or sores on the eyelids and around the eyes, especially on the forehead. Sometimes the rash breaks out on the tip of the nose. • Redness of the eye • Swelling and cloudiness of the cornea The problem is likely to be herpes simplex keratitis if your doctor sees these symptoms: • Pain in and around only one eye • Redness of the eye • Feeling of dirt or “grit” in the eye • Overflowing tears • Pain when looking at bright light • Swelling or cloudiness of the cornea Your eye doctor might want to use special tests if it looks like herpetic eye disease might be present. The pressure inside the eye will probably be checked, for example. There is also a spe
