When to see eye specialist?
Posted , 3 users are following.
I'm 35 yo and have had shingles for about 16 days now. I've completed the anti virals, antibiotic and prednisone. The shingles is on my forehead, eye, and ear. I've been treated by an opthamologist and have been taking prednisolone eye drops for a week. I still have eye imflammation and most my remaining pain is surrounding the eye. I've seen discussion on here about seeing an eye specialist and I'm wondering if others think I should do this or continue current treatment.
0 likes, 10 replies
Jane1618 elizabeth_47898
Posted
Hello Elizabeth,
An opthamologist is an eye specialist, and yes you must take meds but still see one i have been seeing one since Malch 2016 which is when I got shingles in my eye, on head and forehead, Unfortunately I got PHN even though I took the meds early as soon as I got the rash, but my forehead became re infected so that didn't help matters, I suffered so much pain until the Dr gave me stronger pain killers. I have to go back to the eye clinic every few months to have my eyes checked etc, I was lucky not to lose my vision as there is a very small scar on the cornea in my right eye but it is not in my line of vision. I get itching every day in and around my eye and on my forehead, but I have various creams, eye drops and hope that eventually the itching will stop!. I am sorry you have also suffered shingles in the eye as it is the worst place to have it and the Dr said I had a really bad case of it. I still take a small dose of antivirals and am hoping it never returns!!
elizabeth_47898 Jane1618
Posted
Jane1618 elizabeth_47898
Posted
No, I think they all deal with that but I did have to see a cornea specialist who dealt more with problems with the cornea. maybe as I had slight scarring but it didn't seem to make any difference as I had the same tests! In July when I went for my appointment I was given some different eye drops that work a lot better than the ones I have been given for over a year, I think they tend to give the cheapest ones at first, The pressures are always good but it gives me peace of mind that they check my eyes every few months . Good luck to you.
Merry19451 elizabeth_47898
Posted
Elizabeth,
I recommended to another individual whose shingles was worsening to seek a consultation with an ophthalmologist in an Eye Institute of a University Medical Center. If your shingles is improving and you are happy with your ophthalmologist, then it should not be necessary.
When I have had other significant eye issues, ie recurrent bilateral scleritis and an eye tumor, I sought the help of ophthalmologist specialists as these conditions were beyond the scope of a general ophthalmologist. My cataracts and recurrent herpes zoster shingles ophthalmicus were treated by excellent ophthalmologists, although I "doctor shopped" for my cataracts...I now have bionic eyes, despite all the issues.
I sent this message yesterday, but it didn't post. I do apologize.
Best Wishes
Merry Juliana
Merry19451 elizabeth_47898
Posted
Elizabeth,
I recommended to another individual whose shingles was worsening to seek a consultation with an ophthalmologist in an Eye Institute of a University Medical Center. If your shingles is improving and you are happy with your ophthalmologist, then it should not be necessary.
When I have had other significant eye issues, ie recurrent bilateral scleritis and an eye tumor, I sought the help of ophthalmologist specialists as these conditions were beyond the scope of a general ophthalmologist. My cataracts and recurrent herpes zoster shingles ophthalmicus were treated by excellent ophthalmologists, although I "doctor shopped" for my cataracts...I now have bionic eyes, despite all the issues.
I sent this message yesterday, but it didn't post. I do apologize.
Best Wishes
Merry Juliana
Merry19451 elizabeth_47898
Posted
You should be having frequent appointments with the ophthalmologist so that he can evaluate your vision for improvement, btw.
Merry Juliana
elizabeth_47898 Merry19451
Posted
Thanks Merry! In your experience, do the eye symptoms/pain last longer than other pain?
I'm not 100% sure of my opthamoligist. If anyone has referrals in southern California it would be appreciated.
Merry19451 elizabeth_47898
Posted
Where are you in So California?
Merry Juliana
elizabeth_47898 Merry19451
Posted
I'm east of downtown LA, but can easily get to places in LA, San Diego, San Bernardino, or Riverside
Merry19451 elizabeth_47898
Posted
Elizabeth,
When I lived in San Diego, I had an eye tumor which was first excised by an oculoplastic surgeon at Scripps. The wound became infected and part of the tumor was not excised. The ophthalmologist then blamed me for it getting infected... Really?
I then went to Shiley Eye Center at UCSD. I saw Dr. Kikkawa, a fantastic oculoplastic surgeon who healed this horrendous site. My son was cared for by Dr. David Granate, a pediatric ophthalmologist. He was fantastic, as well. I would call Shiley, and ask to be seen by an "attending" ophthalmologist ASAP who would deal with Zoster Ophthalmicus, that is not healing. Usually they will fit an urgent problem in quickly.
Please let me know how it goes!
Merry Juliana