Ocular herpes, herpes that affects the eye, is usually caused by the same virus responsible for cold sores on the lip, herpes simplex virus type 1. This type of herpes simplex virus can cause inflammation and scarring of the cornea that sometimes is referred to as a cold sore on the eye. Ocular herpes, which usually affects one eye, is not a sexually transmitted disease. It’s spread by contact with people who have the virus. Herpes of the eye or ocular herpes can be transmitted through close contact with an infected person whose herpes virus is active.
Previous studies show that once people develop ocular herpes, they have up to a 50 percent chance of having a recurrence. This second flare-up could come weeks or even years after the initial occurrence of ocular herpes. The Although ocular Herpes is listed as a “rare disease” by the Office of Rare Diseases (ORD) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), meaning that Ocular Herpes, or a subtype of Ocular Herpes, affects less than 200,000 people in the US population the National Eye Institute (NEI) an estimated 400,000 Americans have experienced some form of ocular herpes or eye herpes, with close to 50,000 new and recurring cases occurring each year.

Forms of Eye Herpes or Ocular Herpes

Ranging from a simple infection to a condition that can possibly cause blindness, there are several forms of ocular herpes or eye herpes:
1st type of Ocular Herpes or Eye Herpes: Herpes keratitis is the most common form of eye herpes and is a viral corneal infection. Ocular herpes in this form generally affects only the top layer, or the epithelium, of the cornea, and usually heals without scarring.
2nd type of Ocular Herpes or Eye Herpes: Stromal keratitis occurs when the herpes infection goes deeper into the layers of the cornea. This can lead to scarring, loss of vision and, occasionally, blindness. Stromal keratitis is a type of ocular herpes that is thought to be caused by a late immune response to the original herpes infection. Although the condition is rare, the NEI reports that stromal keratitis is the leading cause of corneal scarring that subsequently causes blindness in the United States.

Stromal keratitis occurs when the herpes virus penetrates deeper into the layers of the cornea. Around 25 percent of people with ocular herpes develop this complication, the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary of Harvard University states.
An immune reaction occurs to the herpes virus that attacks the cornea causing scarring; this complication is the most common infectious cause of blindness related to the cornea. Steroid drops may help reduce inflammation, but severe scarring may lead to a need for corneal transplantation.
3rd type of Ocular Herpes or Eye Herpes: The third type of ocular herpes is iridocyclitis. Iridocyclitis is a serious form of eye herpes where the iris and surrounding tissues inside the eye become inflamed, causing severe sensitivity to light, blurred vision, pain and redness. Iridocyclitis is a type of uveitis that affects the more frontal portions of the inside of the eye.
When this infection occurs in the retina or the inside lining of the back of the eye, it is known as herpes retinitis.

Eye Herpes Symptoms and Signs

Various signs and symptoms are associated with an eye herpes or ocular herpes outbreak. You may experience inflammation of the cornea, which can cause an irritation or sudden and severe ocular pain. Also, the cornea can become cloudy, leading to blurry vision.
Other characteristics of eye herpes or ocular herpes include:
•    Swelling around the eyes
•    Tearing
•    Recurrent eye infections
•    Irritation
•    Foreign body sensation
•    Eye redness
•    Eye sores
•    Watery discharge
•    Sensitivity to light
Due to these numerous ocular herpes symptoms, your eye doctor may overlook an initial diagnosis of ocular herpes in its very early stages.
Ocular herpes is a common manifestation of the herpes virus responsible for cold sores, but can cause much more serious problems than a cold sore on the lip; corneal infection with the herpes virus is a serious complication that can lead to blindness. Treating the ocular herpes virus helps prevent it from coming back again or from affecting the other eye.

There are two types of herpes: Herpes Simplex Virus 1 which is more known to be the herpes virus that causes oral herpes and Herpes Simplex Virus 2 which is more known to be the herpes virus that causes genital herpes. The bad news about the Herpes Simplex Virus 1 is that an estimated 90 percent of the population has some form of this herpes virus. The good news, however, is that the oral herpes symptoms are usually no worse than cold sores, and can be prevented with proper herpes treatment.

Oral herpes can be treated via self medication otherwise known as home care treatment or through medical treatment.

Self Care at Home Oral Herpes Treatment

Oral Herpes Treatment Step 1:
Apply ice to the herpes inflammation site for 15 seconds at the first sign of a herpes blister. The ice freezes the herpes virus, and can prevent a herpes blister from fully forming. Remove the ice for 15 seconds, and then repeat the procedure for a total of 5 minutes. Wait 15 minutes, and then repeat the entire process.
Oral Herpes Treatment Step 2:
Another self care at home oral herpes treatment that is advised is to mince a few cloves of garlic and ingest it through pasta sauce. Studies have shown garlic may have the power to kill both oral herpes and genital herpes virus strains. The herb’s effects greatly support the body’s immune system, and helps treat herpes outbreaks. You can also substitute fresh garlic for its tablet counterpart, which is available at most health food stores.
Oral Herpes Treatment Step 3:
Use products containing echinacea extract for oral herpes treatment. Preliminary studies indicate echinacea may be used to treat oral herpes, as it has the ability to completely destroy the herpes virus. Products containing echinacea root tincture can be applied to the inflammation site twice per day, using a cotton ball.

Medical Treatment for Oral Herpes

Medical treatment for oral herpes includes medication for fever and taking plenty of fluids as well. Because the herpes sores are painful, you may have difficulty eating or drinking. To prevent dehydration, call your doctor as soon as you cannot eat or drink.
It is also advisable that you call your doctor immediately if any of these herpes symptoms, which suggest dehydration, occur:
o    A decrease in urination (fewer wet diapers in infants)
o    Drowsiness
o    Irritability
o    Dry mouth
It also advised that you call your doctor if you or your children are not sure if the sores are herpes sores or simply cold sores.
If your child is younger than 6 weeks, notify your doctor when herpes sores appear. Severe infection or disease complications occur more commonly in infants. For instance, besides affecting the mouth, the herpes simplex virus may go to the brain and produce damage.
People whose immune systems are weakened should also call their doctor when herpes sores appear. Your immune system protects you from infection or fights infection. If your system is weakened, you are more likely to have severe infection or disease complication.

Medical treatments to take for oral herpes outbreaks are the following:

Oral Herpes Treatment Step 1: Treat the symptoms of oral herpes outbreaks with over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. These medicines can help decrease pain and can shorten the healing time of the herpes sores.
Oral Herpes Treatment Step 2: Obtain prescription medicines such as Valtrex, Famir or Zovirax. These antiviral medications are recommended for those who suffer from herpes outbreaks four or more times per year.
Oral Herpes Treatment Step 3: A topical anesthetic such as viscous lidocaine (Dilocaine, Nervocaine, Xylocaine, Zilactin-L) may be prescribed to relieve pain caused by oral herpes.
Oral Herpes Treatment Step 4: Oral or IV medication does exist for herpes simplex virus 1 or oral herpes but is not recommended for people with a normal immune system. It is used only for people with weakened immune systems, infants younger than 6 weeks, or people with severe disease.
Some people may also require hospital admission for oral herpes treatment. These are people who suffer from severe local herpes infection, people whose herpes infection has spread to other organ systems, people with weakened immune systems, dehydrated individuals who need IV hydration and infants that are younger than 6 weeks.

	Spring Valley – Odorless Garlic 1000 mg, Twin Pack, 200 Softgels, 100 Ct Each Bottle
	Liquid Echinacea Extract
	Zovirax Cold Sore Treatment Cream 2g

Oral herpes, also known as herpes labialis or herpes cold sores is one of many subtypes of the herpes virus. Oral herpes is also known as the most common form of herpes, typically caused by herpes simplex virus or HSV-1 although herpes simplex virus 2 which is more commonly known to cause genital herpes can also sometimes cause oral herpes as well. Because both herpes simplex virus 1 and herpes simplex virus 2 may cause oral herpes, there are several considerations in preventing oral herpes.
A manifestation of oral herpes or herpes cold sores is small herpes blisters found inside your mouth or on your lips. Since this is a virus, cold sores can easily be transmitted and spread through direct contact, particularly when kissing or during oral sex.
The herpes virus can be treated but not cured. The herpes virus is believed to be more contagious during active periods when herpes blisters are present and herpes lesions are visible. However, the herpes virus can be transmitted person-to-person at any time, even when herpes lesions are not visible.

This is why it is important to know and practice all the ways in which you can safeguard yourself against getting infected with oral herpes.

Oral herpes prevention #1
One of the most important herpes prevention steps you can take is to maintain your immune system since viruses usually thrive when your body’s immune defense system is low, there is a higher likelihood of an outbreak if you suffer from other illnesses, are extremely stressed or very tired. Get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, exercise and avoid excessive stress.

Oral herpes prevention #2
Another oral herpes prevention step you can take is to exercise cautious saliva-swapping. Herpes virus is highly contagious and easily transmitted through saliva. Avoid kissing others that have herpes virus or herpes symptoms. Also avoid sharing cups, silverware and other items potentially contaminated with saliva. Make sure you always have your own eating utensils. Straws, forks, cups-all these seemingly innocent items can also be a pathway for getting the herpes virus.

Oral herpes prevention #3
Maintain your personal bubble. Again, the herpes virus is highly contagious. Keep reasonable distance from those suffering from a herpes outbreak in social and work situations.

Oral herpes prevention #4
The practice of safe sex is another oral herpes preventive step. If a sexual partner is suffering a herpes outbreak of genital herpes, use condoms or practice abstinence from any form of sexual activity. Use latex condoms during all sexual contact. Spermicidal foams and jellies may offer added protection from the herpes virus, although this is highly debated. Oral herpes can be caught from having contact with someone who has genital herpes.  Although Herpes Simplex Virus 2 generally causes genital herpes, it can cause oral herpes as well.
Oral herpes prevention #5
Practice safe sun-exposure. Wear sunscreen and use an SPF lip balm. Or, avoid exposure to the sun altogether if you are prone to oral herpes outbreaks.

Oral herpes prevention #6
Contact your healthcare provider if you think you may have contracted oral herpes. Your doctor will usually prescribe an oral herpes antiviral medication and offer herpes treatment and future herpes prevention advice.

Oral herpes prevention #7
Refrain from touching the herpes sores of another person. Touching the herpes sores then touching another part of your body can spread the herpes virus to yourself. If you touch a herpes sore, wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible.

Oral herpes prevention #8
Try to avoid using someone else’s makeup products, especially lipgloss or lipstick. These simple beauty tools can provide unassuming pathways for the oral herpes virus to spread.

Oral herpes prevention #9
Limit the number of sexual partners you have. Doing so can help you prevent contracting oral herpes.

Preventing the herpes virus is much easier than treating the herpes symptoms of the disease. Once you have been infected with the herpes virus, you will have it for life. Avoiding those who are infected with herpes virus, and situations in which spreading of the herpes virus can occur, may be the best way to protect yourself from getting infected with the herpes virus.
Make sure you understand how to recognize and deal with oral herpes to reduce your chances of contracting the herpes virus.