Surgeon Dr. Sevgi Tongal from Dünyagöz Ataköy Hospital claims that viral factors, in particular the Herpes simplex and Varicella Zoster viruses from the Herpes group of viruses, are responsible for the formation of ocular herpes, and also that ocular herpes, which usually manifests itself as inflammation of the transparent layer of the cornea in the anterior part of the eye, causes a sudden and varying degree of deterioration in the quality of vision. Surgeon Dr. Sevgi Tongal also pointed out the need for medical specialist treatment immediately. Stating that the delay in treatment in cases where there is a disease of the transparent layer of the cornea causes irreversible damage to the cornea, surgeon Dr. Sevgi Tongal said: “In addition to factors affecting the immune system, such as insomnia, stress, and mid-season, UV rays also affect the recurrence of herpes in the eyes”.
Herpes simplex virus infections, which are popularly called the common cold and are often associated with fear, seriously threaten visual health due to inflammation caused by infections of the clear layer of the cornea and intraocular infections, as well as infections of the area around the eyelid. Surgeon Dr. Sevgi Tongal from Dünyagöz Ataköy Hospital assessed the impact of ocular herpes on eye health and in particular warns patients who have previously had ocular herpes about factors that reduce their body's resistance. Mentioning that insomnia and stress set the stage for ocular herpes, surgeon Dr. Sevgi Tongal pointed out that the herpes simplex virus recurs much faster in the immune system, which is affected by fluctuations and drops in air temperature, especially in the mid-season.
The virus that settles on the nerves reduces the pain sensitivity!
Surgeon Dr. Sevgi Tongal said that the herpes virus, which is known to be recurrent, settles at the ear and is transmitted from the ciliary ganglion, which is its refuge, to the cornea along the nerve bundles: “The feeling of discomfort from light, which is called photophobia, comes to the fore in patients. On the other hand, the quality of vision is reduced to varying degrees depending on the location of the lesion of the cornea. As a result of the decrease in the sensitivity of the cornea due to the defeat of the nerves by the virus, sometimes even with very serious wounds of the cornea, pain is not felt”.
The virus can recur even after 10 years
Surgeon Dr. Sevgi Tongal states that herpetic keratitis, which affects the cornea and is commonly known as ocular herpes, occurs in two ways: “The first is childhood influenza infection or a primary disease that affects the extraocular surface membrane called the conjunctiva. In these cases, a point hemorrhage appears on the eyelid, and blisters filled with water appear on the eye. In the primary disease, these complaints may disappear spontaneously, even if left untreated. However, in the picture of “recurrent herpes” observed in old age, damage to the tissues of the cornea and iris is noted. Therefore, the herpes virus tends to attach itself to deeper layers compared to the transparent layer”. Surgeon Dr. Sevgi Tongal mentioned that it is impossible to eradicate the herpes virus: “Even if patients are treated, herpes can recur after 1-2 or even 10 years, causing irreversible damage to the cornea and visual impairment. For this reason, when herpes recurs, it is extremely important to consult a specialist doctor and begin treatment without wasting time”.
Determination of the type of disease affects the success of treatment
Emphasizing that it is crucial to determine the location of the disease for the success of the treatment, surgeon Dr. Sevgi Tongal notes that patients can have more than one tissue affected at the same time. Surgeon Dr. Sevgi Tongal states that treatment becomes very difficult in cases of herpetic keratitis affecting the inner parts of the eye and the deep layer of the cornea, and emphasizes that for this reason an ophthalmologist should be consulted as soon as patients develop symptoms, and also that medications should never be used by ourselves or on the advice of a friend.
