Causes of ocular herpes

introduction

The eye herpes disease is an infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two different types of this virus, type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 mainly affects the region of the oral cavity and is responsible, among other things, for the well-known cold sore. This type is also primarily responsible for ocular herpes.
Type 2 is called the genital strain and mainly causes genital herpes.

The ocular herpes manifests itself in reddened eyes that are itchy and sometimes sticky. Vision is often impaired and there is a sensation of a foreign body in the eye when blinking.

In contrast to the herpes simplex virus type 2, which is transmitted through sexual intercourse, the herpes simplex virus type 1 is transmitted through droplet or smear infections. This means that it can also be passed on from person to person through the air we breathe.

introduction

In most cases, the ocular herpes disease is not a new infection with the virus. Contact with the herpes simplex virus type 1 often occurs in childhood or early adolescence without symptoms occurring. Seldom do blisters appear on the lips (cold sores) or eye herpes.

The herpes simplex virus can linger unnoticed in the infected person's body for a long time. It nests in the nerve cells and can lie there unnoticed for years or even a lifetime.

Under certain external circumstances, however, the virus can be activated and herpes outbreak can occur. Then the previously dormant virus multiplies in the nerve cells and can attack different parts of the body. One speaks of eye herpes when the eyelids and cornea are affected, and the choroid is rarely affected. This is the case when the virus is not controlled and thus has the opportunity to penetrate into the deeper layers of the eye.

The weakening of the immune system, for example due to a cold, a chronic illness or medication, can lead to an outbreak. Even after surgery, the immune system is often weakened and more prone to infections. Fever is also a possible activator of the herpes simplex virus.

General

Stress is often the reason for the sudden onset of herpes symptoms. But also strong sunlight can activate the dormant virus in some cases. In addition, hormonal changes in the body, which mainly occur in women, can lead to the outbreak of an ocular herpes.

It is believed that around 90 percent of the population is infected with the herpes simplex virus type 1. Most carriers are asymptomatic. However, if the herpes outbreak (cold sore or eye herpes) for the first time due to the above-mentioned external circumstances, there is a high probability that recurring attacks will occur.

The disease often occurs initially as a cold sore in appearance. Through a recurring outbreak it can, however, for Procrastination come, which then leads to ocular herpes.
At Injuries to the eye or if one particular sensitivity of the eye exists, but the ocular herpes can also appear first.

Has the Herpes on the eye Once trained, there is a very high probability that the sufferer will develop herpes even with the next outbreak attacks the eye. The distance between the individual thrusts is very different. He can from a few weeks to a few years pass.

The exact cause for the sudden onset of a herpes simplex infection not known. It can only be said that the Likelihood of illness higher is when the disease first occurs occurred once is.
There are also various factorswhich further increase the likelihood of recurrence. These are among others Injuries to the eye, fever (above 38 ° C) and increased exposure to sunlight. Also a high levels of stress can lead to a new outbreak of the viral disease.