Suggest Treatment For Active Shingles Infection In Eye

Posted on Tue, 27 Sep 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 27 Sep 2016 Answered on

Wed, 19 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I had shingles in eye in 2000. I was exposed to active shingle virus a few days ago. I have a red rash under the same eye I had shingles in. Is this shingles

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
A photo of the affected eye is needed

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I understand your concern.

Having shingles in the past will relapse again if exposed.
This is because the virus sheds on the ends of nerves.

If optic nerve is involved, changes in the eyes will occur.
Before telling the redness in your eye is due to shingles, should have a look at your eye and a good eye examination including the back of the eye is needed.

Can you send a photo of the affected eye to me?

Thank you.
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar