Shingles - Eye

[ticha]

I'm 19 years old and had shingles last year too.  It has reocurred this year but it has effected my eye this time.  I bruise easily but I live a very active lifestyle.  I'm on several sports teams and do regular physical activities six times a week.  I'm on my fifth day of blistering and my eye hurts all the time but I'm very eager to rejoin my teams.  Generally, how long until I can rejoin my team on the floor?  Less than a week.. more than a week?  I read online that I should wait until the blister crusts over, is this correct?  Should I wear protective goggles while my eye is still crusting?

[ticha]

Wow, these forums are great.  Thanks for the reply.  

I have seen an ophthalmologist.  i am taking prescribed eye drops 3 times a day (starts w/ the letter V).  It seems to be working.  My eye hasn't crusted but the swelling has gone down significantly and there's less pain.  If it doesn't crust at all, how do I know when I can play sports again?  When I have no pain?  

If I get hit in the eye, is it true that I have a higher chance of permanent damage simply due to the fact that I had shingles in the eye & it's weaker now?

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Pay close attention.  It is essential that you see an ophthalmologist right away because shingles can cause very serious eye problems and even loss of your vision.  I'm going to leave it at that because this is so important. I see this problem all the time and have about 10 current patients with this under my care. It can take quite a bit of time and effort to keep the eye from having significant damage.

MJK MD