Professional Documents
Culture Documents
If you would like to contribute to the art and science section contact: Gwen Clarke, art and science editor, Nursing Standard,
The Heights, 59-65 Lowlands Road, Harrow-on-the-Hill, Middlesex HA1 3AW. email: gwen.clarke@rcnpublishing.co.uk
&
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
&
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).
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
&
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.
References
Ang DC, Bair MJ, Damush TM, Kingdom. Epidemiology and Infection. Opstelten W, Eekhof J, Neven AK,
Wu J, Tu W, Kroenke K (2010) Predictors 137, 1, 38-47. Verheij T (2008) Treatment of herpes
of pain outcomes in patients with chronic zoster. Canadian Family Physician.
Johnson L (2003) Effective pain 54, 3, 373-377.
musculoskeletal pain co-morbid with management of post-herpetic neuralgia.
depression: results from a randomized Nursing Times. 99, 10, 32-34. Riordan-Eva P, Whitcher JP (Eds)
controlled trial. Pain Medicine. 11, 4, (2008) Vaughan & Asburys General
482-491. Kang JH, Ho JD, Chen YH, Lin HC (2009) Ophthalmology. Seventeenth edition.
Increased risk of stroke after a herpes McGraw-Hill Companies, New York NY.
British National Formulary (2010) zoster attack: a population-based follow-up
British National Formulary No. 59. study. Stroke. 40, 11, 3443-3448. Rumsey N, Clarke A, Musa M (2002)
British Medical Association and the Altered body image: the psychosocial
Kanski JJ (2007) Clinical Ophthalmology: needs of patients. British Journal of
Royal Pharmaceutical Society of
A Systematic Approach. Sixth edition. Community Nursing. 7, 11, 563-566.
Great Britain, London.
Butterworth-Heinemann, London.
Shaw ME, Lee A, Stollery R (2010)
Catron T, Hern HG (2008) Herpes Liesegang TJ (2008) Herpes zoster Ophthalmic Nursing. Fourth edition.
zoster ophthalmicus. Western Journal ophthalmicus: natural history, risk Wiley-Blackwell, London.
of Emergency Medicine. 9, 3, 174-176. factors, clinical presentation, and
Vallejo-Garca JL, Va-Galvn S,
Chia LR, Schlenck EA, morbidity. Ophthalmology. 11, Suppl 2,
Rayward O, Moreno-Martin P (2009)
Dunbar-Jacob J (2006) Effect S3-S12.
Painful eye with a facial rash. Cleveland
of personal and cultural beliefs on National Institute for Health and Clinic Journal of Medicine. 76, 7, 410-412.
medication adherence in the elderly. Clinical Excellence (2009) Depression
Wareham DW, Breuer J (2007) Herpes
Drugs & Aging. 23, 3, 191-202. in Adults with a Chronic Physical Health
zoster. British Medical Journal. 334, 7605,
Problem: Treatment and Management.
Chua JV, Chen WH (2010) Herpes 1211-1215.
www.nccmh.org.uk/downloads/DCHP/CG9
zoster vaccine for the elderly: boosting 1NICEGuideline.pdf (Last accessed: Watkinson S, Scott E (2010) Care of
immunity. Aging Health. 6, 2, 169-176. April 27 2011.) patients undergoing intra-vitreal therapy.
Gauthier A, Breuer J, Carrington D, Nursing Standard. 24, 25, 42-47.
Opstelten W, Zaal MJ (2005) Managing
Martin M, Remy V (2009) Epidemiology ophthalmic herpes zoster in primary care. Wiafe B (2003) Herpes zoster
and cost of herpes zoster and British Medical Journal. 331, 7509, ophthalmicus in HIV/AIDS. Community
post-herpetic neuralgia in the United 147-151. Eye Health. 16, 47, 35-36.