Epidemiology, complications and management of herpes zoster ophthalmicus

Herpes tester ophthalmicus may be associated with severe ocular complicatio ns which require prompt management. Postherpetic neuralgia is hardly contro lled by oral madications. Oral acyclovir administered within 72 hours after the eruption prevents ocular involvement. It controls acute pain but does not prevent postherpetic neuralgia. The efficacy of valaciclovir on ocular involvement and acute pain has also been reported.