The herpes zoster is caused by the same virus of chicken pox. After the initial patient’s infection by the herpes virus, the virus is “standby” in certain nerve fibers. However, it can become active as a result of many factors such as aging, stress, immune system suppression and usage of several medications.
The herpes virus is locates in certain nerve fibers at each patient, so when is active, it affects only one part of the body or face. It starts as a rash, which cause blisters and wound on the skin. Any wounds on the nose show an early sign of possible infection of eyes too!
The herpes zoster can cause several problems at the eye and at the surrounded areas that may have long-term effects. Characteristic problems which require treatment are inflammation and corneal ulcer, conjunctivitis and iritis. In several cases, the retina and the optic nerve may also be infected by the virus.
The eye problems caused by the acute or chronic infection of herpes zoster virus can cause glaucoma, cataract, double vision and scarring of the cornea and eyelids.
In many patients, this infection is painful and usually takes several weeks. Some patients also, have post-herpetic pain (after the disappearance of virus infection).