Shingles in the Eye: Pictures, Vision Risks, and Treatment

What Causes Shingles in the Eyes?

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus - the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus lies dormant in the body's nerve tissues for decades. Reactivation of this dormant virus is what triggers shingles.

Varicella-Zoster Virus and the Nervous System

When the varicella-zoster virus reawakens, it spreads from the nerve tissues outward to the skin supplied by the affected nerves. This accounts for the characteristic unilateral pain and rash.

In cases of shingles around or involving the eye, the virus often proliferates along the path of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve. This is the nerve providing sensation to the eyeball, eyelids, lacrimal glands, nose, and forehead skin.

Triggers for Shingles Virus Reactivation

Experts aren’t entirely sure why the latent varicella-zoster virus awakens in certain people. Suspected triggers include:

• Aging immune system
• Emotional stress
• Fatigue
• Illness
• Immunosuppressant drugs

However, shingles can strike people of all ages with a normally functioning immune system. The reawakened virus can disrupt overall health and vision if it spreads to the eyes.

Recognizing Shingles Symptoms Around the Eyes

Catching shingles outbreaks early allows prompt treatment to limit complications. Be on the lookout for these common early symptoms:

• Pain, burning or tingling on one side of the forehead or around the eye
• Extreme sensitivity to touch of the skin in this area
• Headaches and light sensitivity
• Feeling generally unwell

Within a few days, a distinctive skin rash emerges in the distribution of the affected nerve. Let’s go over what shingles looks like in and around the eyes.

Shingles Rash Patterns Around Eyes

The shingles rash tends to crop up in one of three eyelid and facial patterns:

1. Ophthalmic division: Blistery rash covering the forehead and eyebrow
2. Maxillary division: Rash spreads over the nasal bridge and upper cheek
3. Mandibular division: Lower cheek into the ear or hairline affected

The ophthalmic division is most common, accounting for 10-20% of all shingles cases. Let’s take a closer look at picture examples demonstrating shingles ophthalmicus rashes.

Photo Examples of Ophthalmic Shingles Rashes

Mild ophthalmic shingles rash:

Early cases may only cause a mild rash over the eyebrow and minimal eye irritation or vision changes. However, the rash can quickly blister and crust over while becoming more painful.

Moderate case blistering and crusting:

This image depicts a more advanced ophthalmic shingles rash. Note the tense fluid-filled blisters and yellowish crusting across the forehead into the eyebrow. Swelling may force the eye partially shut.

Severe rash with eye inflammation:

Here the numerous large, ruptured blisters show how dramatically ophthalmic shingles can flare up. The eye itself becomes bright red and sore. At this severity, immediate treatment is crucial to prevent eye damage.

Complications of Shingles in the Eyes

While alarming in appearance, most shingles eye outbreaks resolve without permanent injuries after following doctor’s orders. But occasionally, severe complications threaten vision:

Potential Issues From Ocular Shingles Include:

• Corneal scarring
• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Eyelid drooping
• Light sensitivity
• Optic nerve inflammation
• Ongoing pain (postherpetic neuralgia)

Prompt intervention offers the best odds of dodging these damaging complications impacting vision or comfort. Let’s discuss proper treatment next.

Treating Shingles Outbreaks Around the Eyes

Effective management of ophthalmic zone shingles involves three key components:

1. Antiviral medications
2. Corticosteroids and pain control
3. Steps to prevent infection

Treatment aims to relieve symptoms while also curbing viral proliferation to minimize lasting eye issues.

Antiviral Medications

Antivirals like Valacyclovir help counter shingles virus spread and reduce acute symptoms when started quickly. Consult an ophthalmologist or primary care provider about antiviral therapy access and options.

Corticosteroids and Pain Relief Medications

Powerful anti-inflammatory corticosteroid eye drops control eye inflammation to protect vision. Supplementary oral pain medications ease discomfort during the outbreak.

Preventing Secondary Skin Infections

Keep shingles skin lesions clean, dry and loosely covered to prevent secondary bacterial infections worsening rashes near the eyes. Try gentle cleansing with diluted baby shampoo.

With attentive treatment, most cases of shingles around the eyes resolve fully within 2 to 4 weeks without permanent visual defects. But don’t take chances – call your eye doctor right away if you suspect shingles.

Preventing Recurrent Shingles Outbreaks

Unfortunately, about 1 in 3 Americans endures shingles more than once in their lifetime after initial reactivation of the virus. But getting vaccinated with the Shingrix shot can curb recurrences.

The CDC recommends healthy adults over age 50 receive two doses of recombinant Shingrix vaccine spaced 2-6 months apart. This vaccine massively cuts shingles recurrence compared to vaccination with the older Zostavax version.

Maintaining proper rest, diet and exercise habits may also help keep shingles dormant. Stay tuned on emerging research into antiviral medications that stop latent virus reactivation down the road as well.

With a watchful eye and swift care when warning signs crop up, cases of shingles in and around the eyes generally resolve with minimal lasting effects on vision or health.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.