Herpes Simplex Keratitis Signs

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Signs and Symptoms

Pain
Red Eye
Light sensitivity
Irritaion, scratchiness
Decreased vision (depending on the location and extent of infection)
Unilateral inflammation of Conjunctiva and cornea
Dendritic ulcers on fluorescein staining of cornea
Reduced corneal sensitivity
Previous history of Herpes Keratitis
Coexisting fever blister on lip or upper face
Recent upper respiratory infection
Absent history of corneal trauma

Interesting enough, the corneal infection or "keratitis" form of the disease is not the bodies first contact with the virus. The initial infection (acute primary herpes simplex) most often occurs in childhood. The primary exposure to the virus may cause multiple whitish blisters around the eye termed viral eczema. Infrequently, a mild eye infection may be present. The acute primary herpetic infection is generally self limiting, meaning that within a given period of time, the infection resolves without any treatment or medical intervention. The primary exposure to the virus may be so subtitle that it may not even be noticed.