Could ocular shingles affect than just eye health?

March 5, 2010

Individuals who are suffering from ocular shingles may need to pay extra attention to their overall wellbeing as well as their eye health.

According to a new study published in a journal from the American Academy of Neurology, individuals who are afflicted with ocular shingles - or shingles of the eyes - have an increased risk of suffering a stroke later on in life.

Researchers examined 658 individuals who were diagnosed with ocular shingles and 1,974 healthy participants. The scientists observed that between 10 and 20 percent of all individuals who suffer from shingles have them in and around their eyes.

During the one-year study, 8.1 percent of participants with ocular shingles suffered a stroke compared to 1.7 percent of healthy participants.

According to Your Health Information, those with ocular shingles should consult with an eye care physician to get treatment for the ailment immediately, as it has the potential to cause permanent vision damage.