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A recurrent viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Ocular
herpes represents the most common infectious cause of corneal blindness in the United
States. The National Eye Institute estimates that 400,000 Americans have contracted
some form of ocular herpes. They go on to state that the rate of recurrence for
this infection is nearly 50% and that 50,000 new and recurring cases are reported
annually.
Ocular herpes leads to the formation of a painful sore on the eyelid
or surface of the eye. This may then cause corneal inflammation. The infection may
eventually spread deep into the cornea. Such an occurrence may lead to a more serious
condition called Stromal Keratitis, which causes the destruction of stromal cells
via the immune system. With recurrence, the disease can cause corneal scarring,
which leads to loss of vision and potential blindness.
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