Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026
12:06
Optic Nerve Transection: A Model of Adult Neuron Apoptosis in the Central Nervous System
Published on: May 12, 2011
Complete ophthalmoplegia after zoster ophthalmicus
A Chang-Godinich1, A G Lee, P W Brazis
1Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
Summary
Complete ophthalmoplegia, a rare complication of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO), typically affects individuals over 50. Recovery is generally good, with significant improvement within months for HZO patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) is a viral infection affecting the ophthalmic nerve.
- Complete ophthalmoplegia, characterized by paralysis of eye muscles, is a rare but serious complication.
- Understanding the association between HZO and ophthalmoplegia is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
Observation:
- This study reports three new cases of HZO-associated complete ophthalmoplegia.
- A comprehensive review of 13 additional cases from the past 30 years was conducted.
- The condition predominantly affects individuals over 50 years of age.
Findings:
- HZO-associated complete ophthalmoplegia typically manifests within one to two weeks of cutaneous HZO development.
- The prognosis for recovery is favorable, with substantial improvement noted within two months.
- Complete or near-complete resolution of symptoms is generally achieved within 18 months.
Implications:
- Early recognition of HZO-associated ophthalmoplegia can lead to prompt treatment and improved patient outcomes.
- This condition highlights the potential neurological complications of herpes zoster infections.
- Further research may elucidate specific mechanisms and optimize management strategies for HZO-related ophthalmoplegia.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
01:17Accessory Structures of the Eye
Optical perception, or vision, is an extraordinary sense dependent on converting light signals received via the ocular organs. These organs, known as eyes, are securely positioned within the bony cavities of the skull, called orbits. The orbits serve a dual purpose: a protective shield for the ocular globes and a stable attachment point for the soft ocular tissues. The eye's external protective mechanisms include the eyelids, which are edged with lashes that act as a barrier against foreign...
01:12Visual Agnosia
Visual agnosia is a condition characterized by the inability to recognize visually presented objects despite having normal vision. For instance, a person with visual agnosia can describe the shape and color of an object but cannot identify or name it. This impairment does not affect their visual field, acuity, color vision, brightness discrimination, language, or memory. An example of this condition in a social setting is someone at a dinner party asking for "that silver thing with a round end"...
01:24Prosopagnosia
Prosopagnosia, also known as face blindness, is the inability to recognize faces. In severe cases, individuals with prosopagnosia may not recognize close family members, including parents and spouses, by their faces. For instance, someone with prosopagnosia might walk past their child in a crowd, only realizing their mistake upon noticing their child's distinctive backpack or favorite jacket. Prosopagnosia specifically impairs facial recognition, while the recognition of other objects or...