Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you've had chickenpox, the virus can lie dormant in your body's nerve tissue for years when suddenly it's triggered by stress or a weakened immune system, and manifests as shingles. A shingles vaccine called Shingrix is recommended for anyone over 50. It helps prevent the disease and reduces the severity of symptoms.
Ophthalmic shingles is one particular version of the disease that can have some serious side effects that ultimately can cause permanent damage to your vision.
You're probably familiar with shingles, a viral infection that causes a painful rash — usually on the body's torso. But did you know that shingles also can affect the eye?
