Triggering Factor for Herpes Zoster: Beware of Cataract Surgery

Introduction: Herpes zoster is the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV), which remained quiescent in the Gasser ganglion for a long time. This reactivation recognizes several multiple triggering factors; the most frequent are stress, tiredness, and fever. Case Report: In this observation, we report a case of herpes zoster of the maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve in a 65-year-old patient triggered by extracapsular extraction cataract surgery. The viral reactivation crisis was controlled by systemic antiviral therapy. Conclusion: Cataract surgery as trigger for herpes zoster is rare and not often found in the literature. This observation should focus the surgeon’s attention on the probable reactivation of VZV after well-conducted cataract surgery and its satisfactory evolution under antiviral treatment.