Herpes zoster ophthalmicus. Part 2: some complications of a common disease

The incidence of herpes zoster ophthalmicus in the general population is about 1 in 1000. The typical presentation is a vesicular rash in the dermal distribution of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve (see Figure 1). Complicated disease occurs in over 50% of cases, with the risk increased in elderly and immunocompromised patients.

Part 2 of this article discusses ocular and neurological complications of herpes zoster ophthalmicus, and complements the discussion about diagnosis and management of uncomplicated disease that was presented last month.