Herpes Eye Infection: Why a Sore Near the Eye Needs Same-Day Care

It is an infection of the eye or the skin around it by herpes simplex virus, the same virus that causes cold sores.

Mayo Clinic lists an eye infection among the complications of herpes and advises care for any gritty or painful eye (Mayo Clinic, Cold Sore Symptoms and Causes). The eye is delicate, and inflammation there can harm vision if it is not treated promptly.

We are not eye doctors, and this post cannot examine you. Its job is to say when to stop reading and call.

Most often by touch: fingers carry the virus from a sore or from the mouth to the eye.

Mayo Clinic says to wash your hands after touching a cold sore and to avoid touching your eyes while a sore is present (Mayo Clinic, Cold Sore Symptoms and Causes). Never share eye makeup, contact lenses or towels with someone who has an active sore. See cold sores and kissing for how the virus spreads.

The virus can also spread without a visible sore (CDC, About Genital Herpes). Washing hands often is a small habit that protects the eyes.

No source we found says so. Reviralis Complete is a dietary supplement, not an antiviral, and the label never mentions herpes or the eye.

No cited source shows that any of its ingredients prevents or lessens outbreaks, and none is aimed at eye infection. Do not take a capsule in place of an exam. FTC and FDA have acted on products sold with disease claims (HIV.gov, FDA and FTC Act on Fraudulent HIV and STD Products), so be wary of anything that promises to treat an infection. Our benefits page sets each sales claim beside the evidence, and the antivirals and clinician care guide explains proper care.