Protecting Eyes From Shingles: A Doctor's Story

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Post on Oct 23, 2024

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Protecting Eyes From Shingles: A Doctor's Story

You know that itchy, painful rash everyone talks about? Yeah, that's shingles. But did you know it can also hit your eyes? 🤯 It happened to a patient of mine, and it was a real eye-opener!

Shingles: More Than Just a Rash

Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the same varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox. The virus can lay dormant in your system after you’ve had chickenpox and reactivate later in life, causing that telltale rash.

It's usually painful and uncomfortable, but it can also be dangerous.

When Shingles Goes Eye-Wild

One day, this patient walked into my office with a painful rash around their eye. Turns out, shingles had attacked their eye, causing something called herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO). It's a serious condition that can cause vision loss and other permanent eye damage.

HZO happens when the shingles virus travels along the nerve that controls the eye and face. It's more common in older adults, but anyone who has had chickenpox can get it.

What Makes Shingles Eye-Scary?

HZO isn't your average rash. It can lead to:

• Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane that covers the white part of the eye.
• Keratitis: Inflammation of the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye.
• Uveitis: Inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, which contains the iris, ciliary body, and choroid.
• Optic neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the eye to the brain.

This can result in blurry vision, sensitivity to light, pain, and even permanent vision loss.

Protecting Your Peepers: What You Need to Know

You can't always prevent shingles, but you can do things to protect your eyes:

• Get the Shingles Vaccine: The best protection is getting the shingles vaccine. It’s available for people over 50 and can reduce your chances of getting shingles by up to 90% and HZO by about 67%.
• Be Aware of the Symptoms: If you have a rash, especially near your eye, see a doctor immediately.
• Seek Treatment Early: Early treatment with antiviral medications can help reduce the severity of HZO and minimize potential complications.

My Patient's Story: A Wake-Up Call

My patient's case was a reminder that shingles isn't something to mess with. It made me realize the importance of advocating for the vaccine and educating my patients about the potential eye complications.

So, don't let shingles steal your vision! Protect yourself and your eyes. Talk to your doctor about the shingles vaccine today.