Tulsa World: Shingles of the eye can be painful and infectious

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Shingles of the eye can be painful and infectious

By PETER GOTT, M.D. Newspaper Enterprise Association
Published: 11/20/2009 2:19 AM
Last Modified: 11/20/2009 8:37 AM

Dear Dr. Gott: I am a 73-year-old female on no regular medications. I recently noticed a burning sensation on my face near my right eye. Within a day or so, my eyelid started swelling and became red and painful. I was diagnosed with shingles of the eye. The doctor gave me eye drops and pills to take every day. She said because I had come in before the infection had taken a real hold, I should expect to get better within a few weeks. Thankfully, I did, but it was painful. Should I get the shingles vaccine?

Dear Reader: Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) is an outbreak of shingles that occurs around the eye and may involve the eye itself.

Initially, the patient may experience pain or itching for up to a week before a rash appears. If the eye is involved, it often causes pain, redness and swelling of the lid and may lead to permanent eye damage if left untreated. Fortunately, only 10 percent of patients with HZO develop infection in the eye rather than just around it.

Antiviral medication is ordinarily prescribed to reduce pain and shorten the duration of symptoms. In the case of HZO, antiviral eye drops may be used in place of or in conjunction with the pills. It is also important to rest and use over-the-counter pain medication when necessary. Cool compresses applied to the area may reduce swelling, pain and the rash.

It is possible to pass the infection on to people you have contact with. If they have not had chicken pox previously, it will manifest as such, but for those who have already had the first outbreak, shingles may develop.

The shingles vaccine may prevent recurrence, reduce the risk of permanent nerve damage and shorten the duration of symptoms, but there are no guarantees. Follow your physician's advice regarding vaccination.

Write Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave. 4th floor, New York, NY 10016.

By PETER GOTT, M.D. Newspaper Enterprise Association

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	Report Comment Elusive, Owasso (11/20/2009 4:49:30 AM) I've heard others that had shingles say it is really painful. I imagine how painful that is in the eyes.
	Report Comment Travelin Man, tulsa (11/20/2009 7:33:09 AM) I had shingles of the eye at age fifty,like you I was given drops,and it cleared up in a couple of weeks,and yes it is very painful,I an near 69 and have not had any reacurrance,I can feel you pain,and hope you get better soon.

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