Herpes of the eye, or ocular herpes, is a recurrent viral
infection that is caused by the herpes simplex virus and is the
most common infectious cause of corneal blindness in the U.S.
Previous studies show that once people develop ocular herpes,
they have up to a 50 percent chance of having a recurrence. This
second flare-up could come weeks or even years after the initial
occurrence. Ocular herpes can produce a painful sore on the
eyelid or surface of the eye and cause inflammation of the
cornea. Prompt treatment with anti-viral drugs helps to stop the
herpes virus from multiplying and destroying epithelial cells.
However, the infection may spread deeper into the cornea and
develop into a more severe infection called stromal keratitis,
which causes the body's immune system to attack and destroy
stromal cells. Stromal keratitis is more difficult to treat than
less severe ocular herpes infections. Recurrent episodes of
stromal keratitis can cause scarring of the cornea, which can
lead to loss of vision and pos