Blindness resulting from orbital complications of ophthalmic zoster

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus occurs when the latent varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivates in the trigeminal ganglion

and ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve. In the elderly, there is a sharp increase in the tendency of secondary

skin bacterial infections occurrence due to the deterioration of capabilities of self-care and changed sanitation. We

present a case of patient who developed phlegmon of the orbit, which resulted with complete unilateral blindness.

Varicella zoster virus infection in the elderly may have a severe course due to the progressive weakening of the

immune system related to the age. Moreover, skin lesions around the eye socket require special care in prevention

of bacterial superinfections due to the extremely high risk of life-threatening complications or disability. Neuralgia

resistant to pharmacological treatment present in the course of ophthalmic zoster and difficulty in caring about

skin lesions predispose to the occurrence of complications.