Shingles - The Type of Eye Rash That Can Cause Blindness

young woman with eye problem

There is a possibility you can have shingles if you have ever had chickenpox. Shingles is a painful rash occurs due to chickenpox virus reactivation. This rash is bursting with a burning or tingling feeling across one side of the body. It can also trigger symptoms that resemble flu. In the United States, every year there are more than 200,000 cases diagnosed with shingles. Shingles rash can appear on your face and even in your eyes. If you face such issues, you should immediately look for an eye doctor in OKC.

Pay close attention to your eyes if shingles develop on your face. It can generate severe issues with vision.  The eye surface can swell and become inflamed, causing discomfort and blurred vision. Corneal ulcers can also grow and lead to continuous scarring. The virus may even harm the nerves of the cornea, which cause chronic vision issues.

Signs that can trigger several symptoms may include shingles in the eye or herpes zoster. The first symptom is frequently pain.

The feeling of pain can differ from individual to individual. Some experience a dull punching, while others have a sharp burning feeling.

A rash that generally forms as small blisters is another prevalent symptom. It can be wretched and itchy. In bands across a human's upper body, rash generally grows but can also occur on the face.

Additional symptoms of shingles include: 

  • headache

  • nausea

  • weakness or pain of the muscle and joints

  • fever or chills

  • urinary difficulty

  • fatigue

  • swollen lymph node

More serious shingle complications include pneumonia, brain swelling and death. These are uncommon individuals with faulty immune systems who may cause such issues. Herpes Zoster ophthalmicus is known as the shingles in the eye. The symptoms are as follows:

  • Eye redness and inflammation

  • Irritated and itchy eyes

  • Upper eyelid blistering, usually on one side of the face

  • Vision blurred

  • Sensitivity to light 

These are all indications that you have shingles in the eye, but also other problems in the eye. You should see an eye doctor in OKC instantly to check whether you have shingles or not.

Eye Treatment for Shingles

Your physician can determine if you have shingles in his eye through a simple eye examination. You are given an antiviral medication when the diagnosis is verified. This drug can be in a fluid or tablet shape and should be taken for best outcomes as quickly as possible. Any inflammation cure can also be advised with eye drops.

Shaving in the eye can cause serious complications and needs to be dealt with quickly. If in the past you had shingles or think you might have shingles nowadays and experience some of these symptoms. Korber Eyecare & Surgery Center should assist you with good eye doctors in OKC.

**Disclaimer: The above post should not substitute medical advice nor does it create a patient-doctor relationship.

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