I have been diagnosed with shingles which is around my forehead/ eye area, concerned as vision is bl

Hi Merry 19451,

On Friday, my affected eye wasn't reddish but on saturday/sunday it became a bit reddish and I am just concerned. I was perscribped by eye drops but  the ophthalmologist removed it from me. I am currentnly recovering from the rash and pain but the eye is like a tingly feeling and It will cause tears to run down. I noticed this with both eyes but one is normal and the affected eye is red.

It doesn't hurt but probably 1-2 times a day I have the tingly sensation where it kind of burns and I cant open my eyes until I place a cold towel and it will calm down.

The ophthalmologist did give me Lumecare carbomer (Cooling and Soothing eye gel) but not sure if that helps

I don't know if I should give it a couple more days as I have an appintment on Friday or just phone  and give a call.  

John,

You stated you have blurry vision and your eye is red. That is a change from when the ophthalmologist saw you. I would call and make an appointment, or at least call and speak to them if you need to come in.

Best Wishes

Merry Juliana

Hi Merry19451, 

Yeah but Im not sure if  it was like that since after having shingles it got me worked up that I done a close up inspection. I also searched online and seems like the symptons I am having.

Ophthalmic shingles

Symptoms of ophthalmic shingles can include:

a rash over your forehead, nose and around your eye

headache

conjunctivitis - inflammation (redness and swelling) of part of your eye that causes your eye to become red and watery with a sticky coating on your eyelashes

a red eye

problems with your vision

Currently one of my eyes is still small than the other so I will probably wait until both are the same size then give it a go

Hi John,

First, only one of your eyes should be affected in Herpes Zoster-Shingles. The redness and blurred vision can take longer to resolve. Keep using the lubrication for your eyes. Your eyes are different tissue than the skin and therefore show different responses to the disease. Definitely keep your appointment with the ophthalmologist this week. This too shall pass...it is scary, however. Shingles in your eye is the worst place, along with the ear. I know, as I have had both. Also, from reading the research and medical journals, the data also states it is so. Thankfully, we have the antivirals.

Best Wishes.

Merry Juliana

Hi Merry19451, 

Been to the ophthalmologist today and was perscribed the same tablets for 2 weeks except it is 400ml instead of 800ml and told them about reddish and he persricbred virgan eye drops. Though he did say the eye was effected little but is nearly gone. I just don't know if I should take the tablets 5 times a day and the eye drops as well since I feel better. I don't want to take too much tablets as it isn't good for my body I guess. What do you think I should do?

What is the name of the antivirals? If it is Acyclovir, it should be taken 5x/day to sustain the blood levels.

Merry Juliana

Hi Merry19451,

Applying eye drops is becoming a nuinsance as I have been missing the right spot and nearly finished using it. I feel like my eyes is becoming a bit more blurry from using it and it is currently reddish a bit where as before it was normal. I don't know if it is the cause of using it too much  

The Virgan Eye Gel is specifically for Ocular Herpes. It is designed to help eradicate the virus. Most ocular antivirals cause redness. I would continue to use it. Herpes Zoster in your eye is serious and I would continue the medication your ophthalmologist prescribed. I have been through what you have twice, and have clear vision because I followed the physician's directions.

I keep worrying about how you are doing. How old are you, by the way. . .I started with Herpes Zoster-Shingles when I was 42 years old.

Best Wishes

Merry Juliana

I'm currently 24 years old and my right eye vision is blurry, It doesnt look red but I noticed the top of the eye is red and I am really worried if My eye is damaged but last time I been to the ophthalmologist which is about a week ago and he said it was recovering but I don't know myself

I think I am on my 2nd or 3rd week now

Hi John,

I looked at the postings and calendar. It has been exactly two weeks since the beginning of the Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus in your Right Eye. As you ask questions on this site, I get the feeling you either don't quite trust the ophthalmologist or don't feel comfortable asking the questions.

Has your vision become less blurry than before? Is it improving...

Is the white part of the eye or sclera look completely red, or are the blood vessels very red and inflamed?

Are you having severe pain in your eye ball? or a scratched cornea feeling?

There are cornea specialists that might be better able to treat the disease if you don't trust this general ophthalmologist. I don't know in which country you live and how far you are from a large city with ophth. subspecialties. That, of course, would be the deciding factor. Your sight is everything.

Please keep me posted.

Merry Juliana

Hi Merry,

ophthalmologistI trust the ophthalmologist but reading online has got me worried with the permanent vision loss. 

I would say the blurry is the same or maybe it is becoming a bit worse but I could be overthinking.

The sclera  looks white except there are two areas. the top of the eye where the eyelid covers   is still red in one patch area. The 2nd area is near the centre of the eye but it is little to none red.

I live in United Kingdom and it is about 10 miles from the hospital but I am still on anti viral tablets as well as eye drops. I haven't been using the eye drops as much due o the fact I kept missing and the bottle is nearly used up. However, I have now schedueld for daily use.