Optic Neuritis in Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus: A Rare Manifestation of a Common Malady

@#Herpes zoster optic neuropathy (HZON) is a rare manifestation of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO). It is a potentially blinding condition. We report a case of an immunocompetent patient with HZON following keratouveitis during the course of treatment. A 33-year-old gentleman presented with left eye (LE) worsening of visual acuity (6/9 reduced to 6/24) despite on treatment for HZO keratouveitis. It was associated with pain on ocular movement and central scotoma. He was on systemic acyclovir and topical corticosteroids prior to current complaint. Fundoscopy showed left optic disc swelling with impaired optic nerve functions. Diagnosis of left optic neuritis secondary to HZO was established in view of close temporal relationship with occurrence of cutaneous herpes zoster. Systemic corticosteroids was commenced. The patient had obtained good visual outcome at two months. Early referral for ophthalmology assessment is crucial to establish diagnosis of HZON and prompt initiation of treatment may preserve vision.

Impacto de la acupuntura en el tratamiento del herpes zoster oftálmico / Impact of acupuncture on the treatment of herpes zoster ophthalmicus

RESUMEN El herpes zoster oftálmico es la infección producida por el virus varicela zoster (culebrilla) que afecta el ojo; se caracteriza por exantema en el dermatoma de la frente e inflamación dolorosa de todos los tejidos del segmento anterior, rara vez del posterior. Se presentó un paciente de 64 años de edad, raza blanca, con un herpes zoster oftálmico que le causaba dolor agudo. Las lesiones vesiculosas deformaron la mitad izquierda de su cara. El terapeuta empleó la acupuntura como método de tratamiento y se le colocaron agujas en los puntos IG-4 (Hegu) e IG-11 (Quchi) bilateral; en el proceso se colocó al paciente en posición decúbito supino con sesiones de media hora y estimulación cada cinco minutos de las agujas, de forma sedativa. Se apreció la reducción de la intensidad del dolor desde el primer día y la curación de las lesiones a los seis días de tratamiento.

ABSTRACT Herpes zoster ophthalmicus is the infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (shingles) that affects the eye; it is characterized by rash in a dermatomal distribution of the forehead and painful inflammation of all the tissues of the anterior segment, rarely of the posterior one. A 64-year-old white patient was presented with a herpes zoster ophthalmicus causing acute pain. Vesicular lesions deformed the left half of his face. The therapist used acupuncture as a treatment method and placed needles in points IG-4 (Hegu) and bilateral IG-11 (Quchi); the patient was placed in supine position during the process, with half-hour sessions and stimulation of the needles every five minutes, in a sedative form. A reduction in pain intensity was appreciated from the first day, as well as, the healing of the lesions after six days of treatment.

Clinical profile and ophthalmologic manifestations of Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus / Perfil clínico e achados oftalmológicos no Herpes Zoster Oftálmico

ABSTRACT Objective: Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus (HZO) is caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and commonly affects elderly or immunocompromised patients. It has the potential to generate severe complications such as corneal ulcers, uveitis, retinal necrosis and post herpetic neuralgia. This study aimed to evaluate patients at the acute onset of the disease and describe their clinical profile and ophthalmologic findings. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed from March 2014 to October 2015. All consecutive patients with the diagnosis of acute HZO (at a vesicle, pustule or crust stage) were enrolled and submitted to an ophthalmologic exam that included ectoscopy, best corrected visual acuity, corneal sensitivity test, slit-lamp examination, Goldmann applanation tonometry and funduscopic examination. Results: Nineteen patients were included. The mean age was 71 years old, ranging from 52 to 88. Ten patients had high blood pressure (52.6%) and nine (47.3%) had diabetes. Visual acuity lowered in comparison to the fellow eye in eleven patients (57%), ranging from one to six lines of vision, due mostly to epithelial keratitis and ocular discharge. Intraocular pressure (IOP) did not varied in most cases compared to the fellow eye. Hutchinson's sign (HS) was present in seven (36%) patients. The correlation between HS and anterior chamber reaction as well as decreased corneal sensitivity was statistically significant with Fisher's test of 0.009 and 0.029 respectively (p<0.05). Conclusion: The clinical profile of our patients was elderly patients with a higher rate of diabetes. Correlation between Hutchinson's sign and anterior chamber reaction as well as decrease in corneal sensitivity was significant. High intraocular pressure or posterior segment complications were not found in any cases.

RESUMO Objetivos: Herpes Zoster Oftálmico (HZO) é uma doença causada pelo vírus varicella-zoster que comumente afeta idosos ou doentes imunossuprimidos, com potencial para gerar graves comorbidades oculares, incluindo úlceras corneanas, uveíte, necrose retiniana e neuralgia pós-herpética. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar estes pacientes na forma aguda da doença e descrever seu perfil clínico e achados oftalmológicos. Métodos: Um estudo transversal foi realizado entre março de 2014 e outubro de 2015. Todos os pacientes consecutivos com o diagnóstico de HZO (na forma vesicular, pustulosa ou crostosa) foram incluídos e submetidos ao exame oftalmológico que incluiu ectoscopia, melhor acuidade visual corrigida, teste de sensibilidade corneana, biomicroscopia, tonometria de aplanação de Goldmann e fundoscopia. Resultados: Dezenove pacientes foram incluídos. A idade média foi de 71 anos. Dez (52,6%) pacientes relataram hipertensão arterial sistêmica e nove (47,3%) diabetes mellitus. A acuidade visual do olho acometido se encontrou abaixo do olho contra lateral em 57% dos casos, variando entre uma a seis linhas de visão. A pressão intraocular não variou na maioria dos casos em comparação com o olho contralateral. O sinal de Hutchinson estava presente em sete (36%) pacientes. A correlação entre este sinal e a presença tanto de reação de câmara anterior quanto de hipoestesia corneana foi positiva estatisticamente, com teste exato de Fisher de 0,009 e 0,029 respectivamente (p<0,05). Conclusão: Idosos com uma prevalência elevada de diabetes mellitus representaram o perfil clínico dos pacientes deste estudo. A correlação entre o sinal de Hutchinson e reação de câmara anterior, bem como daquele com hipoestesia corneana foi estatisticamente significativa. Não foi identificado nenhum caso de hipertensão ocular ou complicações de segmento posterior.

Facial Herpes Zoster: A 15-year Retrospective Single-Center Study / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Many studies about herpes zoster exist in the Korean dermatologic literature. However, few studies have reported about facial herpes zoster and its complications. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiology, clinical features, and complications of facial herpes zoster. METHODS: We analyzed the medical records of 977 patients who visited Sanggye Paik Hospital between January 2002 and December 2017. We categorized patients into 8 groups based on the dermatomal distribution of herpetic lesions. We investigated the correlations between clinical features, prognosis, and complications. RESULTS: We analyzed the medical records of 977 patients who visited Sanggye Paik Hospital between January 2002 and December 2017. We categorized patients into 8 groups based on the dermatomal distribution of herpetic lesions. We investigated the correlations between clinical features, prognosis, and complications. Results: The most common site of involvement of facial herpes zoster was the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve (59.2%). Herpes zoster involving the ophthalmic and the maxillary branches of the trigeminal nerves showed a significantly higher incidence rate of herpes zoster ophthalmicus than that observed with herpes zoster involving only the ophthalmic branch (odds ratio 7.373). Age and periorbital swelling were significantly correlated with herpes zoster ophthalmicus (p<0.001). Facial palsy was significantly correlated with otalgia and cutaneous ear involvement (p<0.001). Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) occurred in 41% of patients with facial herpes zoster. Patients who received antiviral treatment within 3 days showed lower rates of PHN (35.8%) than patients who received treatment after 4 days (45.4%) (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Facial herpes zoster is associated with several neurological complications. Variables including age, periorbital swelling, otalgia, and cutaneous ear involvement are useful predictors of complications and prognosis. Early institution of antiviral treatment and appropriate interdepartmental consultations are required for better treatment outcomes.

Ophthalmoplegia in Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus / 대한피부과학회지

No abstract available.

Herpes-zóster oftálmico apos injeção de onabotulinotoxina para tratamento cosmético - Relato de caso / Herpes zoster ophthalmicus after onabotulinumtoxin for cosmetic treatment: a case report

Episódios de herpes-zóster após procedimentos têm sido documentados recentemente na literatura. Uma vez que o uso da toxina botulínica atualmente se faz presente em diversas especialidades médicas, é crucial o estudo de seus efeitos colaterais e complicações. Uma revisão da literatura mostrou 65 casos de reativação de zóster após procedimentos, sendo três relacionados a injeções de toxina botulínica tipo A (dois para tratamento de rítides faciais e um para migrânea crônica). Em nosso caso, uma mulher de 43 anos previamente hígida apresentou herpe-zóster na face e couro cabeludo após injeções de toxina botulínica tipo A com fins estéticos, tendo recuperação completa após tratamento antiviral.

Herpes zoster outbreaks following minor procedures have been documented recently in literature. Since the use of botulinum toxin is nowadays spread in several medical areas for different purposes, it is crucial to study its side effects and complications. Literature review revealed 65 cases of zoster reactivation following minor procedures, and three cases related to BTA injections (two for facial lines treatment and one for chronic migraine). In our case, a 43 year old healthy woman had herpes zoster on the face and scalp after receiving BTA injections for cosmetic purpose, with complete recovery after anti-viral treatment.

An Unusual Case of Orbital Inflammation Preceding Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus

PURPOSE: To present a case of orbital inflammation and optic perineuritis preceding vesicular eruption in herpes zoster ophthalmicus(HZO). CASE SUMMARY: An 84-year-old woman with a history of gall bladder cancer and hypertension complained of left periorbital erythematous edema and discomfort. On examination, visual acuity was 20/25 bilaterally; no tenderness, proptosis or ophthalmoplegia was observed. Pupils were equal, round, and reactive to light without relative afferent pupillary defects. Slit-lamp examination revealed severe conjunctival injection and chemosis without keratitis or uveitis. The remainder of the ocular examination was unremarkable. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed left-sided preseptal swelling with an enlarged left lacrimal gland, high signal intensity of the retrobulbar fat and optic nerve sheath. Systemic antibiotic therapy with steroids was started under a presumed diagnosis of idiopathic orbital inflammatory disease, but the clinical presentation was unresolved. After 2 days, vesicular lesions confined to the first division of the trigeminal nerve and pseudodendritic keratitis developed on the left side leading to a diagnosis of HZO. Treatment with acyclovir immediately resolved anterior segment inflammation and periorbital edema. While on therapy, visual acuity deteriorated to 20/125 and the pupil became dilated and unresponsive to light over a few days. All signs and symptoms of acute orbitopathy and postherpetic neuralgia had resolved 3 months later with the exception of pupil abnormality and visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: HZO may present with symptoms and signs of orbital inflammation and optic perineuritis even in the absence of a vesicular rash. Thus, HZO should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained acute orbital syndromes.

Clinical Features and Risk Factors of Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical characteristics and risk factors of severe manifestation of herpes zoster ophthalmicus. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis using medical records from 106 patients diagnosed with herpes zoster ophthalmicus from January 2012 to June 2015. Patients were classified according to the type and frequency of ophthalmologic manifestations. Patients with conjunctivitis, punctate keratitis, and pseudodendritic keratitis were classified into the mild group, whereas patients with deep stromal keratitis, endothelitis, scleritis, glaucoma, and extraocular muscle paralysis were classified into the severe group. The age, sex, severity, location of skin lesions, delayed time to treatment, the presence of Hutchinson's sign, and associated systemic diseases were compared between the groups. In addition, we investigated changes in vision, intraocular pressure, treatment duration, recurrence and the prevalence of postherpetic neuralgia. RESULTS: The incidence of conjunctivitis (47.2%), punctate keratitis (42.5%), pseudodendritic keratitis (12.2%), deep stromal keratitis (12.2%), endothelitis (15.1%), scleritis (18.9%), glaucoma (14.2%), and extraocular muscle (EOM) paralysis (4.7%) were observed in these patients. The group with mild disease included 70 cases with conjunctivitis, punctate keratitis and pseudodendritic keratitis. The severe group included 36 cases with deep stromal keratitis, endothelitis, scleritis, glaucoma and EOM palsy. Disease most often occurred in the distribution of the first branch of the trigeminal nerve, with no differences in the age or sex of patients in both groups. Severe manifestations were more common when a greater extent of the skin was involved, when Hutchinson's sign was present, or when treatment was significantly delayed. There were no significant differences between the two groups in recurrence or the presence of postherpetic neuralgia. CONCLUSION: Long-term treatment for herpes zoster opthalmicus is more likely to be required if severe manifestation of disease exists, such as widespread skin involvement, Hutchinson's sign, or a delay to the initiation of antiviral treatment. More active observation and treatment are required in such cases.

Application of He-Ne laser combined with TDP irradiation in the treatment of herpes zoster ophthalmicus / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To evaluate the effect of He-Ne laser combined with TDP irradiation in the treatment of herpes zoster ophthalmicus.METHODS: Totally 22 patients (22 eyes) with herpes zoster ophthalmicus were treated by He-Ne laser irradiation combined with TDP (Group A).Another 22 patients (22 eyes) with herpes zoster ophthalmicus (Group B) were treated by medication.The duration of the disease, the incidence of complications, and the time of pain relief were compared between the two groups.RESULTS: The cure rate of Group A was 91%, that of Group B was 73%, there was no significant difference between the two groups (x2=1.375, P>0.05).The average cure time of Group A was 8±2.22d, Group B was 12±1.88d, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (t=5.22, P<0.05).The complication rate of Group A was 18%, Group B was 59%, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (x2=6.86, P<0.05).The average pain relief time of Group A was 5±1.23d, Group B was 10±1.34d, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (t=11.17, P<0.05).CONCLUSION: He-Ne laser combined with TDP irradiation can shorten the treatment time of herpes zoster ophthalmicus, shorten the course of disease, reduce the incidence of complications, relieve pain, with no significant effect on the cure rate of herpes zoster ophthalmicus.

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus and varicella zoster virus vasculopathy / Herpes zoster ophthalmicus e vasculopatia por vírus varicella zoster

ABSTRACT Herpes zoster (HZ) corresponds to the reactivation of varicella zoster virus (VZV). Among adults, the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve is one of the most common sites of involvement. Vasculopathy caused by HZ is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, affecting structures such as the brain, which can lead to stroke. In this review, we analyzed the epidemiological and clinical aspects of the vascular involvement of VZV, focusing on the peculiarities of its association with ocular HZ. A review of the available literature indicated that ocular involvement of HZ was a risk factor for vasculopathy after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, indicators of metabolic syndrome, and vascular and heart diseases. Considering the severity of this complication, vascular disease mediated by VZV requires early diagnosis and aggressive treatment. Finally, the anti-HZ vaccine has been recommended as a prophylactic measure in the elderly, but it should be used with caution in immunocompromised individuals.

RESUMO Herpes zoster (HZ) corresponde à reativação do vírus varicela zoster (VVZ) e, entre os adultos, o envolvimento da divisão oftálmica do nervo trigêmeo é um dos locais mais comuns A vasculopatia associada ao HZ é uma complicação dotada de grande morbimortalidade e afeta diferentes estruturas, favorecendo, inclusive o acidente vascular cerebral. Nesta revisão analisamos aspectos epidemiológicos e clínicos da vasculopatia mediada pelo VZV, bem como as peculiaridades relacionadas com o HZ ocular. De acordo com dados disponíveis na literatura, o acometimento ocular pelo HZ mostrou ser um fator de risco para vasculopatia após se ajustar para idade, sexo, índice de massa corporal, tabagismo, indicadores da síndrome metabólica, doença vascular e cardiopatias. Em face da gravidade dessa complicação, a doença vascular mediada pelo VZV requer diagnóstico precoce e tratamento agressivo. A vacina anti-HZ tem sido recomendada profilaticamente em idosos, mas deve ser usada com cautela em indivíduos imunocomprometidos.

Cases of Oculomotor Nerve Palsy in Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus

PURPOSE: To report two case of oculomotor palsy accompanied by herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO). CASE SUMMARY: Two patients with HZO who were suffering from skin lesions, facial pain, and medicated with an antiviral agent from the dermatologic department, were diagnosed with oculomotor palsy. They presented with ptosis, dilated pupils, and ophthalmoplegia after 10 days, and 4 days after began developing skin lesions. They were diagnosed with HZO-induced oculomotor palsy and the ophthalmoplegia improved in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Oculomotor nerve palsy rarely occurrs in HZO patients and is usually followed by skin lesions. We recommend examinations for functions of extraocular motility, ptosis, and pupil to diagnose and treat the HZO-induced oculomotor nerve palsy even if consulted with the dermatologic department or only showing mild conjunctivitis, episcleritis, or keratitis.

Multiple Serous Chorioretinopathy after Facial Herpes Zoster

PURPOSE: To report a case of multiple serous chorioretinopathy after facial herpes zoster. CASE SUMMARY: A 48-year-old male visited our clinic due to visual disturbance in the left eye which occurred 3 days after left facial pain and vesicles. Chemosis and multiple serous retinal detachments were found. The patient was diagnosed with multiple serous chorioretinopathy due to herpes zoster virus and was started on intravenous acyclovir at a dose of 10 mg/kg every 8 hours for 9 days and herpes eye ointment 5 times daily. After the initial treatment, oral prednisolone 60 mg was given daily for 6 days. Skin lesions were cleared, and abnormal fundus and visual acuity improved after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Ophthalmopathy including multiple serous chorioretinopathy should be considered in managing herpes zoster ophthalmicus patients.

A Case of Multiple Complications in Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus

PURPOSE: We report a case of stromal keratitis, corneal infiltration, anterior uveitis, central retinal artery occlusion and optic neuropathy in a patient with herpes zoster ophthalmicus. CASE SUMMARY: A 73-year-old man who was hospitalized for pain and vesicles on his left face was referred to our clinic with sudden onset visual disturbance in his left eye. His best corrected visual acuity in the right eye was 0.8 and light-perception in his left eye. Relative afferent pupillary defect was found in his left eye. Slit-lamp examination showed anterior uveitis secondary to herpes zoster ophthalmicus presented with stromal keratitis. Fundus examination showed retinal hemorrhage, vitreous opacity, cherry-red spot in the fovea and optic disc swelling. Delayed arterial filling and arteriovenous transit time were observed on fluorescence angiography. He was treated with topical antiviral and steroid eye drops for stromal keratitis and anterior uveitis. He was also treated systemically with an intravenous antiviral agent and oral steroid, but visual acuity did not improve. CONCLUSIONS: Stromal keratitis, corneal opacity, anterior uveitis, central retinal artery occlusion and optic neuropathy can be complications of herpes zoster ophthalmicus.

Complete Oculomotor Nerve Palsy Complicated by Inflammation of the Cavernous Sinus in Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus

PURPOSE: To report a case of complete oculomotor nerve palsy with pupil involvement complicated by inflammation of the cavernous sinus. Complete resolution was obtained after 12 days of antiviral and steroid treatments. CASE SUMMARY: A 60-year-old male presented with edema and vesicles of the right upper eyelid. The patient had myalgia, cough, fever and headache 1 week earlier and was treated with conservative therapy. The patient received an antiviral agent (famciclovir 250 mg) twice a day and steroid agent (methylprednisolon 4 mg) once a day at the dermatology department for 1 week. The eyelid edema and vesicles improved. However, ptosis, ocular movement limitation, mydriasis of the right eye and diplopia occurred. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed hyperintensity in the right cavernous sinus with enhancement, implicating inflammation. The patient was diagnosed with right complete oculomotor nerve palsy with pupil involvement. An antiviral agent (famciclovir 250 mg) three times a day and a steroid agent (prednisolone 40 mg) once a day were prescribed. From the next day, ptosis and ocular movement limitation improved and 12 days later, completely resolved. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular movement limitation and mydriasis can be accompanied by herpes zoster ophthalmicus without uveitis and cerebral aneurysm. Administering active antiviral and steroid treatment to obtain rapid resolution is important.

Optic neuritis complicating herpes zoster ophthalmicus in an immunocompetent patient / Zoster optic neuritis in immunocompentent

A 58-year-old woman presented with rash over the left side of the face and intense acute uveitis. Following careful review of the symptoms and dilated fundus examination unilateral optic neuritis was discovered. The rash was typical of varicella zoster dermatitis. Patients presenting with herpes zoster ophthalmicus should always undergo dilated fundus examination, as there is a potential risk of unexpected posterior segment inflammation. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can avoid visual sequelae.

Paciente de 58 anos de idade apresentando erupção cutânea no lado esquerdo da face e intensa uveíte unilateral. Após cuidadosa revisão dos sintomas e exame de fundo do olho foi detectada neurite óptica. O rash era típico de dermatite por varicella zoster. Pacientes apresentando quadro de herpes zoster oftálmico devem ser submetidos ao exame de fundo do olho devido ao risco de inesperada inflamação do segmento posterior. Diagnóstico precoce e tratamento imediato podem evitar danos visuais.

Acute Vestibular Neuritis Associated with Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus / 대한평형의학회지

Vestibular neuritis, one of common causes of acute spontaneous vertigo, is characterized by a sudden onset of vertigo with horizontal-torsional spontaneous nystagmus and unsteadiness with a falling tendency. Herpes zoster is a common infection caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV), and herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) occurs when this virus is reactivated in the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve. VZV can cause vestibular neuritis with cochlear dysfunction as a form of herpes zoster oticus, also known as Ramsay-Hunt syndrome. However, to our knowledge, isolated vestibular neuritis associated with HZO has been rarely reported, because of distance between the trigeminal nerve and the vestibulocochlear nerve. We present an unusual case of vestibular neuritis complicated by the HZO.

Three Cases of Pupil Abnormality in Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus

PURPOSE: We report the occurrence of pupil abnormality in 3 patients with herpes zoster ophthalmicus. CASE SUMMARY: Three patients diagnosed with herpes zoster ophthalmicus developed pupil abnormality. (Case 1) A 37-year-old male diagnosed 1 month prior with anterior uveitis secondary to herpes zoster ophthalmicus presented with peripheral corneal erosions, inflammatory cells in the anterior chamber, diffuse iris atrophy, almost fully-dilated pupils, and loss of pupil light reflex in the right eye. (Case 2) A 72-year-old male presented with vesicles on the right side of the face, and dendritic corneal ulcer, and inflammatory cells in the anterior chamber on initial examinations. After 5 days without treatment by his choice, decreased vision, decreased pupil light reflex, and ovoid-shaped pupils developed. (Case 3) A 63-year-old female presented with left ocular pain, vesicles around the left eye, dendritic corneal ulcer, inflammatory cells in the anterior chamber, and isocoric pupils with normal pupil light reflexes. However, in her left eye, the pupillary ruff was partially lost and the pupil was larger than the right pupil after the start of a 3-week treatment regimen. The pupil in Case 2 returned to normal after 1 month, but in cases 1 and 3, no improvements of pupil abnormalities were observed during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Herein we presented 3 patients that were diagnosed with herpes zoster ophthalmicus and subsequently developed pupil abnormalities. In the cases of pupil abnormalities, checking for a history of herpes zoster ophthalmicus is necessary to make a differential diagnosis.

Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus in Patients Younger than 50 Years Versus 50 Years and Older

PURPOSE: To study the clinical course of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) and to compare the demographics, treatments, and outcomes in patients under 50 years of age versus patients 50 years of age or older at the time of diagnosis. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of 102 patients who were diagnosed with HZO between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2010. Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics between patients with an onset of HZO under the age of 50 years and patients with an onset of HZO at the age of 50 years or older were compared. RESULTS: Similar numbers of patients were affected with HZO in the younger and older age groups (n = 44, 43.1%, vs. n = 58, 56.9%). The mean +/- SD of age was 50.6 +/- 21.8 years (range, 3-89 years) and the most common decade of HZO onset was between 50 and 59 years. Gender and disease laterality were not statistically different between the 2 groups. No significant difference was found regarding the presence of any ocular manifestation between the groups; however, anterior uveitis was more frequent in the younger patients (p = 0.04). The number of patients with immunosuppressive therapy was higher in the younger age group (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: HZO-affected patients under the age of 50 years and older than 50 years were equally distributed, with the most common decade of onset between the age of 50 and 59 years. Younger patients had a higher incidence of anterior uveitis and immunosuppressive therapy due to underlying systemic diseases.

The Effects of 830 nm Light-Emitting Diode Therapy on Acute Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND: Skin lesions and pain are the most distinctive features of herpes zoster. Light-emitting diode (LED) therapy is an effective treatment known for its wound-healing effects. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the LED treatment affects wound healing and acute pain in acute herpes zoster ophthalmicus. METHODS: We recruited 28 consecutive Korean patients with acute herpes zoster ophthalmicus for the study. In the control group (group A), 14 subjects received oral famcyclovir. In the experimental group (group B), 14 subjects received oral famcyclovir and 830 nm LED phototherapy on days 0, 4, 7, and 10. In order to estimate the time for wound healing, we measured the duration from the vesicle formation to when the lesion crust fell off. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for the estimation of pain on days 4, 7, 10, and 14. RESULTS: The mean time required for wound healing was 13.14+/-2.34 days in group B and 15.92+/-2.55 days in group A (p=0.006). From day 4, the mean VAS score showed a greater improvement in group B, compared with group A. A marginal but not statistically significant difference in the VAS scores was observed between the two groups (p=0.095). CONCLUSION: LED treatment for acute herpes zoster ophthalmicus leads to faster wound healing and a lower pain score.