Can you get shingles only in your eye?

In about 10 to 20 percent of people with shingles, the rash appears in and around the eye. This type of shingles is called ophthalmic herpes zoster, or herpes zoster ophthalmicus. Shingles in the eye can cause scarring, vision loss, and other long-term problems.

How do you know if you have shingles in your eye?

Symptoms of shingles in the eye include:

1. blistering on the upper eyelid, usually on only one side of the face.
2. redness and swelling around the eyelids.
3. itchiness and irritation of the eye.
4. sensitivity to light.
5. blurred vision.

Does shingles always follow a nerve line?

The virus travels in specific nerves, so you will often see shingles occur in a band on one side of the body. This band corresponds to the area where the nerve transmits signals. The shingles rash stays somewhat localized to an area; it does not spread over your whole body.

How can shingles affect your eyes?

Shingles can cause inflammation of almost any part of the eye, including the cornea. This is known as Herpes zoster ophthalmicus or HZO. It is treated with oral antiviral medication, and lubricating eye drops. Secondary bacterial infections can occur, so follow-up with an ophthalmologist is crucial.

How do you get shingles in your eyes?

Shingles of the eye is a painful viral infection on the eye. It can also cause swelling of the eyelid. Most people have a rash and blisters on the forehead, nose, and upper eyelid. It’s caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.

Can shingles be in just one spot?

It is more common in people with weakened immune systems, and in people over the age of 50. Shingles starts with skin sensitivity, tingling, itching, and/or pain followed by rash that looks like small, red spots that turn into blisters. The rash is typically affects just one area on one side of the body or face.

Can you have shingles on both sides?

Usually you get the shingles rash on your chest and tummy, but it can appear anywhere on your body including on your face, eyes and genitals. The rash appears as blotches on your skin, on 1 side of your body only. A rash on both the left and right of your body is unlikely to be shingles.