Question 1

What is Herpes Keratitis?

Accepted Answer

Herpes keratitis is an infection of the cornea, the clear dome covering the front of the eye. It is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), the same virus that causes cold sores. The Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 (IgG), Type Specific Antibodies test is the most important test for assessing infection history and risk factors.

Question 2

What causes herpes keratitis?

Accepted Answer

Herpes keratitis is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), the same virus responsible for cold sores around the mouth. The virus can spread to the eye through direct contact, such as touching a cold sore and then touching your eye. Once infected, the virus remains dormant in nerve tissue and can reactivate, causing recurrent episodes of eye infection triggered by stress, illness, sun exposure, or a weakened immune system.

Question 3

What is the best test for herpes keratitis?

Accepted Answer

The Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 (IgG), Type Specific Antibodies test is the most important blood test for herpes keratitis because it detects HSV-1 antibodies that indicate previous exposure to the virus. This test measures your immune system's response to HSV-1, helping determine if you have been infected with the virus that causes most cases of herpes keratitis. While herpes keratitis is primarily diagnosed through eye examination, this blood test provides crucial information about infection history and helps assess your risk for developing or experiencing recurrent eye infections.

Question 4

When should I get tested for herpes keratitis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience eye redness, pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, or excessive tearing, especially if you have a history of cold sores or genital herpes. Testing is also important if you have recurrent eye infections or inflammation that doesn't respond to standard treatments. If you've been diagnosed with HSV-1 or have frequent cold sore outbreaks, knowing your antibody status helps your doctor assess your risk for developing eye complications and plan preventive strategies.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of herpes keratitis?

Accepted Answer

Herpes keratitis symptoms include eye pain, redness, blurred or decreased vision, excessive tearing, and sensitivity to light. You might notice a gritty feeling in your eye, watery discharge, or swelling around the eye. Some people develop a characteristic branching pattern of corneal ulcers visible during eye examination. Symptoms typically affect one eye and can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, and vision problems can develop if the deeper layers of the cornea become infected.

Question 6

Who is at risk for herpes keratitis?

Accepted Answer

People who have HSV-1 infection or a history of cold sores are at highest risk for herpes keratitis. Your risk increases if you have a weakened immune system due to medications, HIV, or chronic illness. Contact lens wearers, people who experience frequent facial herpes outbreaks, and those with a history of eye trauma or surgery face elevated risk. Stress, sun exposure, fever, and hormonal changes can trigger virus reactivation, and anyone who has had one episode of herpes keratitis has a 25-50% chance of recurrence.

Question 7

What happens if herpes keratitis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated herpes keratitis can cause permanent vision damage or blindness. The infection can penetrate deeper layers of the cornea, leading to scarring that clouds vision and may require corneal transplantation. Complications include chronic inflammation, corneal thinning or perforation, glaucoma, and secondary bacterial infections. Repeated episodes of untreated herpes keratitis progressively damage the cornea, and severe cases can result in complete vision loss in the affected eye, making prompt treatment essential for preserving sight.

Question 8

Can herpes keratitis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests cannot directly diagnose active herpes keratitis, but they play an important supporting role. The HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibody blood test shows whether you have been exposed to the virus and helps assess your risk for developing or experiencing recurrent eye infections. Herpes keratitis is primarily diagnosed through eye examination using a slit lamp and fluorescein staining to identify characteristic corneal ulcers. Your doctor may also collect a sample from your eye for viral culture or PCR testing to confirm active HSV infection in the cornea.

Question 9

How is herpes keratitis treated?

Accepted Answer

Herpes keratitis is treated with antiviral medications, most commonly topical antiviral eye drops like ganciclovir or trifluridine applied several times daily. Oral antiviral medications such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir may be prescribed for moderate to severe cases or to prevent recurrences. Treatment typically lasts 7-14 days for acute infections, and some people require long-term suppressive therapy to prevent recurrent episodes. Your doctor may also prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops once the infection is controlled, and regular follow-up examinations are essential to monitor healing and prevent complications.

Question 10

How can I prevent herpes keratitis?

Accepted Answer

Prevent herpes keratitis by avoiding touching your eyes after touching cold sores or affected areas. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, especially if you have an active herpes outbreak. If you have a history of cold sores, your doctor may prescribe long-term antiviral medication to reduce recurrence risk. Wear sunglasses to protect against UV exposure that can trigger outbreaks, manage stress effectively, and maintain a healthy immune system through proper nutrition and sleep. Contact lens wearers should practice excellent hygiene and remove lenses if eye irritation develops.

Question 11

What can I do at home for herpes keratitis?

Accepted Answer

While herpes keratitis requires professional medical treatment, you can support healing at home by applying cool compresses to reduce discomfort and wearing sunglasses to protect sensitive eyes from bright light. Get adequate rest to support your immune system and avoid wearing contact lenses until the infection completely resolves. Do not use over-the-counter eye drops without consulting your doctor, as some products can worsen the condition. Taking oral lysine supplements may help reduce herpes outbreaks in some people, though you should discuss supplements with your healthcare provider before starting them.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Herpes Keratitis Blood Test

What is Herpes Keratitis?

What causes herpes keratitis?

What is the best test for herpes keratitis?

When should I get tested for herpes keratitis?

References

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