Herpes Simplex and the Eye: What Every Patient Needs to Know About Ocular Herpes Infections
Jessica from Boca Raton Florida sent in this question that I missed to answer on the zoom call. My apology Jessica. So here it is.
Jessica asked: what is the difference between herpes and ocular herpes? Are they the same virus.
Many of us are familiar with the herpes simplex virus (HSV) as the cause of cold sores. But what most people don’t realize is that this very same virus can also affect the eyes—sometimes leading to significant vision complications if not properly diagnosed and treated.
This condition is called ocular herpes, and today, I’d like to help you better understand what it is, how it presents, and what we can do—both conventionally and holistically—to support your healing and preserve your vision.
🔬 What Is Ocular Herpes?
Ocular herpes is an eye infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, most commonly HSV type 1 (the same strain that causes oral cold sores). Less commonly, HSV type 2, which is associated with genital herpes, may be involved.
Once a person is infected, the virus lies dormant in the body—often within the trigeminal nerve—and can reactivate later in life due to stress, illness, UV light exposure, or other triggers. When it reactivates, it can travel to the eye and cause inflammation or infection.
⚠️ Types of Ocular Herpes
Ocular herpes can affect various parts of the eye. Here are the most common forms:
Herpes Simplex Keratitis – This is the most frequent form, affecting the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye). It can range from mild irritation to more severe inflammation and scarring.
Stromal Keratitis – A more serious form where the deeper layers of the cornea become inflamed. This can lead to vision loss if not treated.
Iridocyclitis – This involves inflammation of the iris and the eye’s internal structures, often accompanied by redness, pain, and light sensitivity.
Retinitis or Acute Retinal Necrosis (rare) – This severe form affects the retina and can cause profound vision damage if not addressed promptly.
🧠 Symptoms to Watch For
If you’ve ever had a cold sore and you notice any of these eye symptoms, it’s essential to seek evaluation:
Redness, pain, or irritation in one eye
Light sensitivity (photophobia)
Blurry or reduced vision
Watery or gritty eyes
The sensation of having something in your eye
Recurring flare-ups of eye discomfort
Prompt treatment can help prevent long-term damage.
💊 Treatment Options
✅ Conventional Approach
The mainstay of treatment for ocular herpes includes:
Antiviral eye drops (e.g., trifluridine)
Oral antivirals (e.g., acyclovir, valacyclovir)
Topical or oral steroids (used cautiously in stromal keratitis)
Treatment duration and medications depend on the type and severity of the infection. Recurrent cases may require long-term antiviral suppression therapy.
🌿 A Holistic Perspective
In my practice, we also emphasize natural and preventative strategies to reduce recurrence and support whole-body healing:
Immune Support: Zinc, vitamin C, and lysine can help reduce viral reactivation risk.
Stress Reduction: Since stress is a major trigger, we encourage meditation, breathwork, and nervous system regulation.
Detoxification: Reducing toxic load and inflammation may help lower the frequency of outbreaks.
Light Protection: Wearing sunglasses to limit UV exposure can reduce flare-up risk in sensitive individuals.