Herpes Zoster

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus, or Shingles involving the eye, is a reactivation of the Chickenpox virus. When we contract Chickenpox as a child, the treatment provided will alleviate the acute symptoms. That virus, however, will remain in your system in a dormant or inactive state. Reactivation can occur later in life; the peak age is between 50-75 years old. Possible causes of herpes zoster can be stress, a weakened immune system, or chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Patients may experience symptoms of facial pain and redness only on one side of the face with a characteristic rash, headache, blurred vision, malaise, and a low grade fever.

Treatment for Shingles involves the use of antiviral pills, eye drops when the eye is involved, and comfort care or pain relief until the symptoms resolve. Often patients will be symptomatic for dry eye syndrome after the attack of Shingles and may require aggressive dry eye treatment. Some patients will experience intense nerve pain that will require the care of the primary care physician.

A new development has recently been released to prevent the reactivation of herpes zoster ophthalmicus. Zostavax is a vaccine that is FDA approved and has been shown to greatly decrease the chance of getting Shingles. Some patients will still have Shingles even with the vaccine, but those patients tend to have a less severe occurrence.

Our Locations

Tysons Corner

Location:

8138 Watson St
McLean, VA 22102

Phone Number:

703-827-5454

OFFICE HOURS:

Monday through Friday
8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Arlington

Location:

1715 N. George Mason Drive
Suite 206
Arlington, VA 22205

Phone Number:

703-525-4411

OFFICE HOURS:

Monday through Friday
8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Contact Us

Top Doc 19 Top Doc 2019 Top Doc 2020 Top Doc 2021 Top Doc 2022 Top Doc 2023 Arlington Magazine Top Doc 2023 Arlington Magazine Top Doctor 2021 Badge  Best Washingtonian Badge Top Doc 2020 Top Doctors 2018 - 2020 Top Doctors 2020 - 2021 Top Doctors 2022 - 2023 DC Top Medical Badge 2022-2023 Premier Surgeon Washingtons Top Health Profesionals 2021 Badge DC Expert Badge DC Top Medical Badge 2022-2023
(703) 827-5454
(877) 234-2020
Schedule an Appointment
contact us
Bill Payment
patient portal
Facebook YouTube Twitter instagram LinkedIn