Ask a doctor on the topic of Ophthalmology

Herpes Zoster with eye involvement in India

July 19, 2016 | 25,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Ive Dr. Schaaf

Hello,

I (34, male) am currently in India for work. The city is Pune, in the state of Maharashtra. It is developed and urban. Currently, it is the rainy season here, so it is humid and partly muggy.
1.5 weeks ago, I had a viral illness with fever, chills, and cold symptoms. It was treated with antibiotics (Cefuroxime 500mg; Dihydrochloride 5mg; and Paracetamol). I believe it has healed.

4 days ago, I felt pressure on my right eye. After 3 days, the eye turned red. On the 4th day, I developed blisters around the eye.
Back at the hospital, I was diagnosed with Herpes Zoster by a general practitioner and an eye doctor. Now I am taking Acivir tablets 800mg 3 times a day; Pregabalin 75mg capsules 2 times a day, Aciclovir cream 5% for the skin 3 times a day; Moxifloxacin Hydrochloride drops 5mg; and AciclovirIP 3% eye ointment.
According to the doctors, the problem should be resolved after a week of rest and the aforementioned medication.
A diabetes test was performed: A1C NGSP 5.09% and an HIV test (CMAI) non-reactive.
I was advised against taking a flight due to increased risk of infection, as my immune system is weakened. I generally trust the doctors and the hospital. However, I am still worried because my eye is affected.
Is the decision to stay in the hotel in India (4 stars, international hotel chain) the right one, or should I consider moving up my flight scheduled for 3rd August 2016 and continue treatment in Germany?

Kind regards and thank you in advance.

Dr. med. Ive Dr. Schaaf

Good morning,

You are already receiving the maximum treatment. In Germany, you would not be treated any differently.

The recommendation to rest is good, but it is not to be understood as if you are not allowed to do anything anymore. It is simply about reducing stress in every form. Therefore, I would not cancel or reschedule your flight. If you are feeling well enough, I would not spend the whole day in the hotel, but at the same time, I would also not drive in an open convertible (for example, due to dirt and drafts in the eye area). Wear sunglasses to reduce light and avoid drafts, avoid dusty areas, avoid strenuous activities, and most importantly, find inner peace (seriously: meditation or something similar can help). Your body has succumbed to a virus attack that it now needs to fight off.

Here is a detailed, good link:
https://www.dr-gumpert.de/html/augenherpes.html

Does this help you? If not, please ask further questions.

Dr. Schaaf