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Managing the care of patients


with herpes zoster ophthalmicus
Watkinson S, Seewoodhary R (2011) Managing the care of patients with herpes zoster ophthalmicus.
Nursing Standard. 25, 39, 35-40. Date of acceptance: March 3 2011.

Summary zoster during their lifetime (Opstelten and


Zaal 2005). The incidence of herpes zoster
The herpes zoster virus is a common neurocutaneous infection. ophthalmicus ranges from 2.2 per 1,000 to
When the eye is involved, the virus is referred to as herpes zoster 3.4 per 1,000 people per year. In older patients
ophthalmicus. This article discusses the role of the nurse in the incidence is approximately ten people per
managing the care of patients with herpes zoster ophthalmicus. 1,000 annually. One in every 100 individuals will
It provides an overview of the condition and its associated develop the condition during his or her lifetime
pathophysiology. The article examines risk factors, clinical features, (Opstelten and Zaal 2005). Many healthcare staff
diagnosis, treatment, complications and prevention. It also discusses are likely to encounter patients with herpes zoster
the care required to support patients during their treatment and ophthalmicus. They therefore have an important
subsequent rehabilitation. role to play in the care and management of people
Authors with this debilitating condition.
Herpes zoster represents a significant healthcare
Susan Watkinson, associate lecturer, and Ramesh Seewoodhary, burden among older people, even in those who
senior lecturer, ophthalmic nursing, Faculty of Health and Human are healthy (Chua and Chen 2010). Health
Science, University of West London, Slough, Berkshire. economic studies have estimated that shingles
Email: sue.watkinson@pilot.uwl.ac.uk and post-herpetic neuralgia cost the UK up to
Keywords 73.8 million per year (Wareham and Breuer
2007). Medical costs, such as drugs, visits to the
Herpes zoster ophthalmicus, ophthalmology, virus, GP and hospital admissions, equate to 198 for
visual impairment each episode of acute herpes zoster and 777
These keywords are based on subject headings from the British for each episode of post-herpetic neuralgia
Nursing Index. All articles are subject to external double-blind peer (Wareham and Breuer 2007).
review and checked for plagiarism using automated software. For Gauthier et al (2009) examined management
author and research article guidelines visit the Nursing Standard costs in immunocompetent patients with herpes
home page at www.nursing-standard.co.uk. For related articles zoster and found that the mean direct cost was
visit our online archive and search using the keywords. 103 per patient. The costs of treating patients with
post-herpetic neuralgia after diagnosis were 341
per episode after one month and 397 per episode
HERPES ZOSTER, also known as shingles, after three months respectively. Gauthier et al
is a common neurocutaneous infection that is (2009) also confirmed that herpes zoster and
caused by the human herpes virus type 3, the post-herpetic neuralgia costs increased markedly
same virus that is responsible for chickenpox with pain severity. In patients under the age of
(Wiafe 2003). When the eye is involved, the 65 years, acute herpes zoster is estimated to cost
virus is referred to as herpes zoster ophthalmicus. 526 per episode, when the costs to wider society
Herpes zoster, characterised by a painful skin resulting from loss of productivity are also included
rash with blisters, is common in older people and (Wareham and Breuer 2007). The indirect costs
immunocompromised and debilitated patients of reduced quality of life as a result of pain and
(Kang et al 2009). One-fifth of the population, disability are impossible to calculate. However,
mainly older people, will present with herpes these are significant (Chua and Chen 2010).

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art & science ophthalmic nursing 4Malaise, pain, itching, photophobia (abnormal
sensitivity to light), and low-grade fever up to
one week before a skin rash appears.
4Rash usually starts with progressive pain
Pathophysiology sensations accompanied by hypersensitive
The primary chickenpox (varicella) infection is areas on the forehead.
believed to originate after exposure to infectious 4Erythematous macules (spots or stained areas)
respiratory droplets and the subsequent entry appear and progress to form clusters of papules
of the varicella zoster virus into the respiratory (pimples) and clear vesicles (small collections
tract. It can also be transmitted through direct of fluid in the epidermis) in the affected
contact with an infected mucosal surface, dermatome (an area of skin that is mainly
such as the conjunctiva. After the primary supplied by a single nerve).
chickenpox infection has occurred, the varicella
zoster virus may remain dormant for many 4New skin lesions usually continue to appear
years. It is the reactivation of this virus that for three to five days.
usually results in a vesicular skin eruption. 4The rash progresses through stages of
The varicella zoster virus quickly replicates in pustulation (formation of pus) and crusting.
mononuclear cells of regional lymph nodes.
Viraemia where viruses enter the bloodstream 4A rash in the dermatome of the nasociliary
and have access to the rest of the body occurs nerve (Hutchinsons sign) may indicate
within four to six days, resulting in systemic ophthalmic complications.
dissemination of the virus. The virus remains
dormant in the sensory nerve ganglia of the
FIGURE 1
trigeminal nerve (the fifth cranial nerve)
(Opstelten and Zaal 2005). Herpes zoster Herpes zoster ophthalmicus
ophthalmicus occurs when the dormant
WELLCOME PHOTO LIBRARY

varicella zoster virus in the trigeminal ganglion,


which involves the ophthalmic division of
the nerve, becomes reactivated years later
(Liesegang 2008, Vallejo-Garca et al 2009).
The reactivation of the varicella zoster virus is
related to diminished cell-mediated immunity
(Opstelten et al 2008).
Acute herpes zoster usually involves one nerve
root on one side of the body; therefore herpes
zoster ophthalmicus always occurs on one side
of the face (Johnson 2003). Once reactivated,
the virus travels along the nerve fibres of the
ophthalmic division of the sensory trigeminal
nerve to cause the classic features of the condition
(Catron and Hern 2008) (Figure 1). The eyes and
surrounding tissues are connected to sensory
nerves that have physiological protective BOX 1
functions (Catron and Hern 2008). For example, Risk factors for herpes zoster
the healthy cornea is sensitive to touch, thus
serving as protection against trauma, dryness, 4Ageing.
exposure and infection. The varicella zoster virus 4Cancer.
will desensitise the cornea, rendering it prone to
damage, dryness and infection (Riordan-Eva 4Chemotherapy.
and Whitcher 2008). Risk factors for developing 4Emotional stress.
herpes zoster are listed in Box 1. 4Fatigue.
4Physical stress from illness.
Clinical features
4Poor nutrition.
Patients with herpes zoster ophthalmicus can
4Radiation therapy.
present with extraocular and ocular features,
sometimes simultaneously (Wiafe 2003). 4Systemic disorders that weaken the immune system.
Extraocular features These features include (Wareham and Breuer 2007)
(Opstelten and Zaal 2005):

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Ocular features A wide range of symptoms fundoscopy (eye examination using an


affecting the eye may occur during the various ophthalmoscope), intraocular measurement,
phases of herpes zoster ophthalmicus. These anterior chamber slit-lamp examination and
include (Opstelten and Zaal 2005): corneal examination, with and without staining
(Catron and Hern 2008). However, viral
4Periorbital oedema in the early phase.
culture and molecular techniques are available
4Severe skin inflammation may produce when a definitive diagnosis is required
late-phase contraction scars, leading to (Vallejo-Garca et al 2009). Overall, prompt
incomplete eyelid closure and corneal exposure. referral to an ophthalmologist is indicated
when the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal
4Conjunctivitis inflammation of the
nerve and nasociliary nerve are involved
conjunctiva, a mucous membrane lining the
(Hutchinsons sign) and when there is
posterior aspect of the eyelids and covering the
unexplained ocular redness with pain,
anterior sclera.
or complaints of visual problems
4Episcleritis localised inflammation of the (Vallejo-Garca et al 2009). The diagnosis
episclera, the thin layer of vascularised of herpes zoster is usually based on clinical
connective tissue overlying the sclera; and observation of the characteristic rash.
scleritis a primary inflammation of the sclera,
often associated with an underlying systemic
Treatment
infection or autoimmune disease.
Systemic oral antiviral agents reduce both
4Keratitis inflammation of the cornea.
the acute pain of herpes zoster and the incidence
4Reduced corneal sensitivity. of post-herpetic neuralgia. Aciclovir, for example,
administered within 72 hours of the onset of the
4Mild uveitis inflammation of one or all
rash, has been shown to be effective in: reducing
portions of the uveal tract, which comprises
the percentage of eye disorders in patients
the iris, ciliary body and the choroid, with
with herpes zoster ophthalmicus from 50% to
temporary elevated intraocular pressure.
20-30%; alleviating acute pain; and preventing
or limiting the duration or severity of
post-herpetic neuralgia (Vallejo-Garca et al
Complications
2009). In clinical practice the second-generation
The two main complications of herpes zoster antiviral drugs, such as famciclovir and
ophthalmicus are post-herpetic neuralgia and valaciclovir, may be more effective than
ocular involvement (Vallejo-Garca et al 2009). aciclovir because only three rather than five
Ocular infection occurs when the ophthalmic daily doses are required and patients are therefore
division of the trigeminal nerve is involved. more likely to adhere to the treatment regimen
Other ocular complications are listed in Box 2 . (Opstelten and Zaal 2005).
Post-herpetic neuralgia is neuropathic pain
that persists or develops after the dermatomal
rash has healed (Vallejo Garca et al 2009). The BOX 2
indicators for post-herpetic neuralgia are older
Complications of herpes zoster ophthalmicus
age, severe acute pain and rash, shorter duration
of rash before consultation (which suggests that 4Conjunctivitis, episcleritis, scleritis.
the trigeminal nerves are severely inflamed),
4Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), iridocyclitis
and ocular involvement. It occurs in 36.6% of (inflammation of the iris and ciliary body).
patients over the age of 60 years and in 47.5% of
individuals over the age of 70 years with herpes 4Choroiditis (inflammation of the choroid, the
posterior segment of the uveal tract, between the
zoster ophthalmicus. Persistent post-herpetic
retina and sclera).
neuralgia has been linked to suicide in patients
over 70 years (Vallejo-Garca et al 2009). 4Papillitis (inflammation of the intraocular optic nerve).
4Oculomotor nerve palsy (lesions of the third cranial
Diagnosis nerve (oculomotor) affecting the extraocular
muscles and limiting eye movements).
Diagnosis of herpes zoster ophthalmicus is made
4Retinitis (inflammation of the retina).
by a combination of history-taking and physical
examination (Catron and Hern 2008). Physical 4Optic atrophy (a non-specific response to optic
examination includes an ophthalmic assessment. nerve damage from any cause).
This should involve external examination of the 4Dry eyes and lid scarring.
eye, assessment of visual fields and acuity,
(Wareham and Breuer 2007)
extraocular movements and pupillary response,

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art & science ophthalmic nursing amitriptyline is associated with drowsiness,
dry mouth and constipation (Johnson 2003).
Side effects of the main anti-viral medications
used (for example, aciclovir, famciclovir and
Corticosteroids, tricyclic antidepressants, valaciclovir) include nausea, vomiting, abdominal
gabapentin and opioids also reduce acute pain, diarrhoea, headache, fatigue, sensitive rash
pain and may be beneficial in the reduction of and in some cases renal insufficiency (British
post-herpetic neuralgia (Wareham and Breuer National Formulary (BNF) 2010.
2007). Tricyclic antidepressants, gabapentin, Patients need to have a healthy diet during
opioids and lidocaine patches are effective in the first week of treatment (Kanksi 2007). This
established post-herpetic neuralgia (Wareham will help boost the immune system and adequate
and Breuer 2007). Oral opioids and non-steroidal fluids are essential to prevent dehydration.
anti-inflammatory drugs are frequently Patients will also need to be reassured that they
indicated to relieve pain and promote comfort will receive ongoing treatment in the outpatient
in patients with post-herpetic neuralgia resulting department. This is important because they may
from herpes zoster ophthalmicus. Their effects develop dry eyes and corneal lesions, which can
may be enhanced by the use of cycloplegic eye compromise sight.
drops in patients showing signs of iritis, for Pain and depression Patients with herpes zoster
example pain, photophobia and blurred vision. ophthalmicus will feel unwell because of severe
The cycloplegic eye drops relax the ciliary facial pain associated with the acute phase of the
muscles, paralysing accommodation (adjustment condition (Catron and Hern 2008, Vallejo-Garca
of the eye for near distance vision, which is et al 2009), or the later complication of persistent,
accomplished by changing the shape of the lens debilitating post-herpetic neuralgia. This may lead
through the action of the ciliary muscle) thereby to depression (Ang et al 2010). The pain, which
relieving spasm and ocular pain, and relaxing the can be exacerbated by the slightest touch, and
eye, making it more comfortable for the patient depression may lead to loss of employment and
(Catron and Hern 2008). Eye ointment such as social isolation (Wareham and Breuer 2007). Pain
lubricant will soothe and moisten the cornea, is a strong predictor of the onset and persistence
thus protecting corneal nerve function. It may of depression, and because depression lowers the
also be prescribed to protect the cornea from patients pain threshold it is a powerful predictor
dryness and nerve damage, and to promote of pain, particularly persistent pain (Ang et al
patient comfort (Shaw et al 2010). 2010). Concurrent pain and depression have a
much greater effect than either disorder alone
on the patients functional status and use of
Nursing management
healthcare resources (Ang et al 2010).
The following section focuses on the key aspects Depending on the severity of the pain, an
of the nurses role in managing the care of older appropriate analgesic should be prescribed.
adults with herpes zoster ophthalmicus in the Some patients may need to be referred to a
community, as most patients will be cared for at pain clinic. A tricyclic anti-depressant such
home. These include effective communication as amitriptyline is usually prescribed to help
and counselling, management of pain and manage the pain-related depression. Doses
depression, promoting adherence to medication, usually start at 10-25mg at night and are
opthalmic and skin care management and health increased gradually (Johnson 2003).
promotion and education. Nurses counselling skills are vital in helping
Communication and counselling Good and supporting patients and their families to
communication and counselling skills are manage some of the consequences of pain-related
essential. Patients are often distressed and depression. Symptoms of depression include
frightened by the nature of the condition and altered mood, anger, anxiety, confused thinking,
require reassurance and support (Shaw et al decreased self-esteem, fatigue, irritability and
2010). It is important to reduce patients fears sleep disturbances (National Institute for
and anxieties about, for example, potential ocular Health and Clinical Excellence 2009). Patients
complications, the possibility of sight loss and are better able to deal with their emotions
poor body image as a result of skin disfigurement when nurses take time to listen actively to their
(Shaw et al 2010). In addition, patients can fears, explore their thoughts and feelings, allay
become anxious that they are infectious and may apprehensions and acknowledge and manage
transmit the infection to others. It is, therefore, perceived problems (Watkinson and Scott 2010).
important to educate patients about herpes Providing a quiet environment and respecting
zoster ophthalmicus and its treatment. patient dignity are essential to promote effective
Patients should be made aware of the side communication in a therapeutic relationship
effects of their medication. For example, (Watkinson and Scott 2010).

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Adherence to treatment Loss of self-esteem as appearance, for example, personal hygiene and
a result of depression can lead to difficulties in hair care. Again, effective communication skills
patients adhering to treatment regimens (Chia et al are central to the sensitive management of any
2006). It is important that nurses appreciate the psychological issues associated with altered body
effect of individual belief systems on medication image (Rumsey et al 2002). Nurses need to
adherence, especially in older people (Chia et al demonstrate a positive interest in patients by
2006). For example, patients may not believe in spending time listening and talking to them. They
the effectiveness of the medication they are taking also need to provide reassurance about patients
and may feel that the side effects outweigh the external appearance. Non-verbal communication
benefits. However, if patients perceive prescribed skills such as skilful and appropriate use of touch
medication as beneficial or necessary, they are and demonstration of affection, for example
more likely to adhere to their treatment (Chia et al a handshake or a brief, gentle touch on the
2006). With regard to tricyclic antidepressants, patients arm, can convey a genuine sense of
the benefits may not be felt for three to four weeks empathy and caring.
(BNF 2010). One side effect of these drugs is Health promotion and education Nurses are
sedation. Some patients who experience sleeping health educators and it is important to raise
difficulties as a result of chronic pain may find public awareness about the prevention of herpes
this effect beneficial (Johnson 2003). Adopting zoster. Knowledge and understanding of the
a positive attitude towards patients and stressing current herpes zoster vaccine is essential to
the benefits of adherence to treatment will help provide healthy older patients aged 60 years
increase patients beliefs about the importance or more with up-to-date information about
of maintaining control over their condition the safety and effectiveness of this method of
(Chia et al 2006). prevention. Vaccination is targeted at those aged
Ophthalmic and skin care management The 60 years or older because of the decline in the
skin must be kept clean and prescribed topical immune system that occurs with the ageing
treatment applied to reduce itching and process. It is known that some markers of T-cell
discomfort. Regular observations of the skin immunity are enhanced following vaccination
rash should be undertaken by community nurses (or natural infection).
to assess any changes and monitor for signs of The herpes zoster vaccine can reduce
infection. Patients may also require support significantly the burden of herpes zoster
and assistance from informal carers or family among older people and its introduction has
members. Eye care is important to promote demonstrated cost-effectiveness (Chua and Chen
patient comfort and to prevent the onset of 2010). It is similar to the paediatric varicella
infection. It involves good hygiene practice, zoster vaccine, but of higher potency. It contains
daily eye dressings and keeping the eyelids clean approximately 14 times more virus than the
by regular bathing. This can be undertaken by the paediatric vaccine. Therefore, the paediatric
informal carer initially, then later by the patient vaccine is not a substitute for the herpes zoster
to promote self-care. Eye medication needs to be vaccine. However, some problems exist with
administered as prescribed. the herpes zoster vaccine as it is composed of
The eyes must also be observed for any changes a live attenuated virus, which signals important
resulting from treatment, for example pupillary contraindications to its use (Box 3). These limit
dilation if the patient is prescribed mydriatic the scope of protection, especially among the
(dilating) eye drops, and complications such as highest risk groups of the population (Chua and
corneal infection, which manifests as red eye Chen 2010). Clearly, there are gaps in knowledge
and hazy cornea. Pupillary dilation causes
blurred vision for a short time after medication BOX 3
administration and hazy cornea indicates that
the integrity of the cornea is compromised and Contraindications to administering the
herpes zoster vaccine
unable to maintain clarity (Riordan-Eva and
Whitcher 2008). Photophobia can be managed 4Anaphylactic reactions to any component of the
by ensuring that bright lighting is dimmed within vaccine.
the home environment. However, patient safety 4Pregnancy.
must be taken into account and obstacles likely
4Individuals with primary or acquired
to cause falls or injury should be removed.
immunodeficiencies, for example haematological
Patients should be encouraged to wear dark malignancy, human immunodeficiency virus with
glasses when going outside. acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, recent
Loss of self-esteem may result from haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and
disturbances to body image following facial patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy.
skin disfigurement. Patients should be
(Chua and Chen 2010)
encouraged to take an interest in their personal

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art & science ophthalmic nursing becoming increasingly significant because of
the severity and chronicity of the condition, and
its effect on health services. The threat of losing
sight and the debilitating effects of post-herpetic
related to the use of the herpes zoster vaccine. neuralgia pain on the patients quality of life
Ongoing research studies are therefore essential pose many challenges. Key aspects of nursing
to address the deficits in the evidence base. care include good communication and pain
In the UK, a vaccine is available to at-risk management skills. Effective ophthalmic and
groups, including patients with chronic skin care are essential during the treatment and
medical conditions such as chronic renal failure, rehabilitation phases of the disease process.
diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic Reducing the incidence of herpes zoster
pulmonary disease, and to those who are not ophthalmicus and its associated ocular
immune but work in a setting where they may complications will have a beneficial financial
be infected, for example nurses working in a effect on future healthcare services NS
hospital environment or community setting.
Acknowledgment
The authors would like to thank Debbie Heatlie,
Conclusion
librarian, Moorfields Eye Hospital and University
The role of the nurse in managing the care of College London, Institute of Ophthalmology, for
patients with herpes zoster ophthalmicus is her help with the literature search for this article.

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