Eye Shingles Are on the Rise Among Older Adults

Eye shingles, or herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO), is a growing problem among seniors, reports Considerable . Research from the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center found eye shingles cases tripled among 21 million Americans between 2004 and 2016, with adults over 75 especially vulnerable. The Mayo Clinic says shingles is induced by the varicella-zoster virus behind chickenpox. After the pox subsides, HZO in nerve tissue can be triggered years later by stress or a weakened immune system. According to the Mayo Clinic, persons older than 50 should get the Shingrix vaccine to help prevent the disease and alleviate symptoms. A study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found corneal transplants that replace the HZO-affected tissue are another option.