Herpes zoster opthalmicus

INTRODUCTION: Herpes zoster is a common disease which may cause serious ocular sequelae when it affects the trigeminal nerve. Although involvement of the nasociliary branch of the first division of the trigeminal nerve is well recognised to be associated with serious and direct ocular morbidity, the need for careful long-term follow-up of cases of frontal branch involvement is perhaps less well known. METHODS: The pathogenesis, epidemiology, risk factors, clinical course and treatment of herpes zoster are discussed with emphasis on trigeminal nerve involvement. A case report is presented which illustrates the importance of continuing management when the frontal branch of the trigeminal nerve is affected. DISCUSSION: Clinical guidelines are suggested for optometric management of these cases in cooperation with medical practitioners.