Description
This is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster affecting the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal vein.
It is more common and more severe in patients with lymphomas and those being treated by radiotherapy or immunosuppressed individual
Signs and Symptoms
• Severe pain along the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve VI)
• Maculopapular rash along the VI
that obeys mid facial line.
• Swelling of the affected part of the face
• Typical Herpes Zoster rash
Investigations
Clinical – the typical distribution of the Herpes Zoster rash
Treatment
• Oral acyclovir 800mg 5 times daily
• Oxytetracycline 3% + Hydrocortisone 1% eye drops OR
• Betamethasone 0.1% + Neomycin 0.5% eye drops OR
• Dexamethasone 0.1% + Chloramphenicol 1% eye drops 4-6 times daily
• Calamine lotion to the skin or Acyclovir 3% skin ointment
• ± systemic steroids (x-ray to rule out PTB) may activate TB in AIDS patients
• Acyclovir 3% eye ointment 5 times daily
Complications
• Anterior uveitis
• Neurological: cranial nerve palsies, Optic neuritis, Encephalitis, Contra-lateral hemiplegia
• Severe facial skin scarring, Corneal opacification, Neuropathic keratopathy, Disciform keratopathy