All About Eye Infections
9. Ocular Herpes
Recurrent infections causing inflammation and scarring of the cornea stem from ocular herpes. Spread by contact with someone who has an active outbreak of the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) or through self-contamination from touching a cold sore on the lip, ocular herpes can cause blurry vision, eye tissue or corneal tears, and eyelid inflammation.
Although it may go away without treatment after a few weeks, the infection could spread deeper into the cornea, leading to loss of vision and possibly blindness. Treatment is on a case-by-case basis and may include antiviral, steroid, or antibiotic eye drops. Surgery may be required to remove scarring, and a corneal transplant may be necessary to restore vision.
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