Can shingles on the face cause long-term nerve pain or vision problems?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Yes, shingles on the face can cause long-term nerve pain and vision problems.

Concerned about long-term effects of facial shingles?

Can I assess long-term risks myself Do I need a doctor for long-term effects Where to go for long-term risk check I'm worried about nerve pain or vision Can facial shingles cause long-term issues What if long-term symptoms develop Seeking a second opinion on long-term effects

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Explanation

Shingles on the face, also known as Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus, can lead to serious complications. One of the main issues is long-term nerve pain, which is called postherpetic neuralgia. This is when the pain from shingles lasts for a long time, even after the rash is gone.

Another problem is with the eyes. Shingles can affect the eyes and cause vision problems. This happens because the virus can attack the nerves around the eyes. If not treated, it can lead to serious eye issues, including vision loss.

It is important to see a doctor if you have shingles on your face to get the right treatment. Early treatment can help prevent these long-term problems.

(References)

Litt J, Cunningham AL, Arnalich-Montiel F, & Parikh R. (2024). Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus: Presentation, Complications, .... Infectious diseases and therapy, 38834857.

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