How Common Is Herpes in the Eye?

Unlike genital herpes, herpetic eye disease is not transmitted sexually. Herpetic eye disease is caused the herpes simplex virus type 1. It is a rather common infection with an estimated 400,000 cases and close to 50,000 new infections every year. Herpetic eye disease can range from a simple infection to a condition that leads to blindness. Herpes Keratitis is the most common form of herpetic eye disease and it infects only the top layer of the cornea which allows for scar-less healing. Once the infection penetrates deeper into the tissue of the cornea it becomes Stromal Keratitis and it can occasionally lead to blindness. There are other forms of the infection that occur and affect the iris and cornea. Herpetic eye disease is transmitted through direct contact with another person who is having an outbreak or through self-contact and contamination during an active herpes infection such as a cold sore.

Note: This article is not medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your specific condition.