Shingles, or herpes zoster, can cause several symptoms. Often, the first is pain. Shingles pain can feel different to different people. Some experience a dull throbbing while others experience a sharp stabbing or burning sensation. The pain may be constant or come and go. Another common symptom is a rash that usually forms as tiny blisters. These can be sore and itchy. The rash usually develops in bands across a person’s upper body, but it can also appear on the face.

Additional symptoms of shingles include:

• headache
• nausea
• muscle and joint weakness or pain
• fever or chills
• difficulty urinating
• tiredness
• swollen glands (lymph nodes)

More severe complications of shingles can include pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, and death. These are rare and usually only occur in people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of shingles on the face

If the shingles rash develops on a person’s face, they may experience:

• difficulty moving parts of their face
• drooping eyelids
• a loss of hearing
• problems with taste
• problems with vision, including the inability to move the eye

Symptoms of shingles in the eye

The medical term for shingles in the eye is herpes zoster ophthalmicus.

Symptoms of shingles in the eye include:

• blistering on the upper eyelid, usually on only one side of the face
• redness and swelling around the eyelids
• itchiness and irritation of the eye
• sensitivity to light
• blurred vision

Around the eye, a person may experience:

• burning pain
• redness or a rash
• skin sensitivity

While these symptoms can indicate shingles, they can also characterize other eye conditions. Anyone with any of these symptoms should seek urgent medical attention. Shingles in the eye can cause severe complications, such as corneal ulcers, inflammation, and glaucoma. Other names for the varicella-zoster virus include VZV and the chickenpox virus. After the symptoms of chickenpox have cleared up, the virus lies dormant in the body. At any time, the virus could reactivate and cause shingles to develop. The virus lives in a person’s sensory nerves, and the pain it causes can be severe. When shingles affects a person’s facial nerves, they can experience eye-related symptoms. Anyone who suspects they have shingles in their eye should go to the emergency room or visit their primary care doctor or eye doctor as soon as possible. Shingles in the eye can lead to vision loss.

A doctor usually only needs to perform a physical examination to make a diagnosis. They may also take a sample of fluid from a blister and send this for testing. Results will determine if it contains the virus that causes shingles. After confirming a diagnosis of shingles, the doctor will prescribe antiviral medication. The medication can come in liquid or tablet form. Take it as soon as possible for maximum effectiveness.

Optometry: Open Access Journal deals with eyes and related structures which includes such as vision, processing information related to vision. Optometrists are health professionals provide care related to vision. They give a clear idea related to diagnosis, treatment and management of vision. Optometry journal deals with medications, vision tests and abnormalities of eye.

Manuscripts can be submitted online at https://www.scholarscentral.org/submissions/optometry-open-access.html or send an email attachment to optometry@emedsci.com

Best wishes
Hannah
Journal Co-ordinator
Optometry: Open Access
ISSN: 2476-2075
omoa@emedicalsci.org