title: Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus: A Review for the Internist.
abstract: Herpes zoster ophthalmicus occurs due to reactivation of the varicella zoster virus in the ophthalmic branch of the fifth cranial nerve. This disease primarily affects the elderly as well as the immunocompromised and can result in a wide range of ophthalmic morbidity. Systemic antiviral therapy is the mainstay of treatment; however, consultation with an ophthalmologist is typically indicated. Herein we present a review of this common entity including epidemiology, pathophysiology, evaluation, treatment, follow-up, and an update on the current body of literature.
authors.affiliation: TOC Eye and Face, Austin, Tex.
authors.forename: Ivan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Vrcek
authors.affiliation: New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai.
authors.forename: Eileen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Choudhury
authors.affiliation: TOC Eye and Face, Austin, Tex. Electronic address: vdurairaj@tocaustin.com.
authors.forename: Vikram
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Durairaj
mesh_terms: D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005123:Eye / Q000473:pathology; D006563:Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007388:Internal Medicine / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents
keywords: Herpes zoster ophthalmicus; Hutchinson sign; Shingles