Add your practice details to brand this guide and generate a shareable link for your patients. Your info is saved on this computer only.
Educational content only
This page is general patient education, not medical advice. It does not diagnose conditions, recommend specific treatments for you, or replace a conversation with your eye care provider. Always consult a qualified clinician before making decisions about your eye health.
Herpes simplex keratitis is a recurring corneal infection from the same virus that causes cold sores. Treated promptly, vision is usually preserved; ignored, it can scar the cornea.
What helps
Here's the plan — and why it works.
Acute
Antiviral drops
Prescription antiviral drops or oral antiviral medication your eye doctor prescribes can clear the infection. Most episodes resolve within 1–2 weeks of starting treatment.
Preventive
Daily oral antiviral
After a few recurrences, a low-dose daily oral antiviral your eye doctor prescribes cuts recurrence rates by about half — a key intervention for protecting long-term vision.
If scarred
Corneal transplant
Severe scarring that doesn't respond to specialty contacts may need a partial or full corneal transplant. Antiviral cover prevents reactivation in the donor tissue.
Avoid
Steroid drops without antiviral cover
Steroids alone can dramatically worsen an active herpes infection. Steroids are sometimes used — but always with concurrent antivirals and only under specialist care.
Same-day exam if
You have eye pain, light sensitivity, redness, and decreased vision — especially with a history of herpes keratitis. A delay of even a day or two can mean more corneal scarring.
Common questions
Honest answers to common questions.
How did I get this?+
Most people are infected with HSV-1 in childhood — often without symptoms. The virus lives in a facial nerve and can reactivate on the cornea later in life.
Is it contagious to my partner?+
Not commonly through casual contact. Active corneal infection isn't typically transmitted by hugs or sharing utensils. Direct eye contact with active lesions should be avoided.
Will my vision come back?+
Most acute episodes leave little or no permanent change. Scarring from repeated episodes can cause persistent blur and is part of why we prescribe preventive antivirals.
How often do recurrences happen?+
Variable. Some people have one episode and never another; others have several per year. After two or more episodes, daily preventive antivirals are usually recommended.
Can I wear contacts?+
Not during an active episode. Once healed, soft contacts may be reintroduced — but many cornea specialists prefer glasses long-term to reduce reactivation triggers.