Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus: Disease Overview

Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus (HZO) is a manifestation of shingles involving the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve. It results from the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which remains dormant in sensory ganglia following primary infection. It’s a condition with growing burden as in the United Kingdom, the incidence of herpes zoster is estimated at 1 in 4 will develop herpes zoster during their lifetime, with HZO accounts for approximately 10–20% of all herpes zoster cases. Approximately two-thirds of HZO cases occur in individuals over 50 years old.