Not just a drip, drip

After 5 days and 3 doctors, I finally found out what is wrong with my very painful/ puffy eye. It is not great news, but it is better than the wrong news which is what I got at "After Hours Medical" in American Fork, Utah. The doctor barely looked at my eye before telling me it is probably a sty, and I should basically get over it. A very good doctor at the IHC instacare in Highland, who I saw in the very early stages, actually mentioned this diagnoses but said it was too early to tell. At least he was paying attention, right.

So here it is! (Already on drugs and praying that it does not get worse before it gets better as the doctor said it might.)

Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus (HZO)

What is HZO?

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox and shingles. When the virus involves the skin around the eye and the eye itself, it is called HZO. It is not the same virus that causes herpes simplex.

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What are the symptoms of HZO?

HZO can cause a rash with small blisters to break out on the forehead and around the eye, typically on one side of your face. Sometimes you will have pain in the same area of your face a few days before the outbreak. Infection of the eye causes extreme pain, swelling of the eyelid, light sensitivity and redness.

In severe cases, the cornea can be damaged. This can affect your vision.

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Who gets HZO and why? Can I prevent it?

There is nothing you can do to prevent HZO. It is not common in children, rather it occurs more often as people get older. Men and women are equally affected. People who develop HZO have typically had chickenpox or have been exposed to the chickenpox virus in the past.

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How can my doctor tell if I have HZO?

If you have HZO, you will probably have a rash that looks like chickenpox, usually on one side of your face or forehead. Besides examining you, your doctor will not need to do any additional tests to see if you have HZO. Sometimes herpes simplex infections can resemble HZO. However, the patterns of the rashes are different and your doctor will be able to tell them apart.

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How often is the eye involved?

The eye itself is affected in 10% of patients. Your doctor will examine you to see if your eye is affected by HZO. If it is, you may need to see an ophthalmologist (a doctor who specializes in treating eyes) for further treatment.

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How is HZO treated?

If you think you might have HZO, see your doctor right away. Early treatment with antiviral medicines (usually in pill form) can reduce pain and the duration of symptoms. Your doctor may also give you a corticosteroid (in eye drop form) to relieve inflammation.

Cool compresses can help ease the pain and rash. Pain medicine that is available over the counter, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (some brands: Motrin, Advil) or acetaminophen (one brand: Tylenol) may help.

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How long will I have the infection?

The pain from HZO, should get better as the rash goes away. With uncomplicated HZO, you should recover in a few weeks, but it may take longer in older or sicker patients.