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.