Iridocyclitis

My boyfriend was recently diagnosed with Iridocyclitis. I had never heard of it before so I decided to look it up. I think I understand what it is. My question is: Is it linked with herpes? On one webpage about iridocyclitis it said that it was a form of eye herpes which is transmitted from someone who is having an outbreak. Is this correct, and should I be worried?

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Herpes simples and herpes zoster (shingles) are possible causes of iridocyclitis - but there are many, many other possible causes.  His ophthalmologist would have told him if it is was herpes simples or herpes zoster related.  It is most likely due to another cause - but he can easily clarify that with doctor.  He may need a work-up in some cases to look for the cause - but even then, about 50% of cases never have an identifiable cause.

MJK MD

[Brit87]

Can you contract herpes simples and herpes zoster from the std herpes? Are they related? Do you think he should go to a specialist to have a work-up done to 'possibly' determine the cause of his iridocyclitis? Are most of the listed causes for iridocyclitis harmful if not treated?
Thank you for answering my questions so promptly.

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Yes, he should consider seeing a specialist if his own ophthalmologist is unable to get things under control.  Again, HSV and HZV may not even be related and it would usually take just a few moments for his ophthalmologist to tell if they were the cause.  Sometimes the cause of uveitis can be harmful, sometimes not - it depends on the cause.  Some things like TB, syphillis (syphilis), lyme disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis can be quite serious.
Yes it is possible to get HSV from std to around eye - not common - (but usually people get it in eye from HSV type from facial fever blisters.)

HZV is from old chicken pox.

MJK MD