How to Treat Eye Shingles
Shingles (herpes zoster) happens when the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the virus that causes chickenpox, reactivates within a nerve cell. The affected nerve is normally on the midsection of the body, but many sufferers are impacted by facial shingles, which can include the eye. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommends that patients with this form of shingles be referred to a specialist who can best manage the condition, known as ocular shingles or herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO).
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Instructions
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Treating Ocular Shingles
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Seek prompt medical treatment for suspected shingles. Symptoms include pain and rash with blisters on one side of the body. If the rash of shingles develops near your eyes, your doctor will likely recommend that you visit a eye specialist so that further investigation can be done.
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Begin antiviral treatment and corticosteroids as prescribed by your doctor. Antiviral medications target the action of the virus, while corticosteroids reduce inflammation within the affected nerve, according to the AAFP. Painkillers and other pain-relief strategies may also be recommended by your doctor.
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Pursue other treatments after being diagnosed by a specialist with HZO. According to the American Uveitis Society, these may include lubrication of the eye, the use of topical corticosteroids and dilating eye drops, and antiviral medications as well as surgical operations to control complications like pressure or damage to the cornea.
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Tips & Warnings
Use medications as prescribed by your doctor. Not taking all of a prescribed medication can delay healing. Overusing painkillers can lead to liver damage and other complications.
Do not delay treatment for shingles or HZO. The tissues of the eye may become damaged by the action of the VZV.
Do not attempt to treat shingles of the eye with home remedies. The eye is very delicate, and treating HZO requires the knowledge of specialists.
