Ophthalmologists Urged to Watch Herpes Recurrence Risk
Several ophthalmic procedures are linked to herpes reactivation, and preventive antiviral treatment is common among U.K. ophthalmologists, a study reports.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Stroke
Ophthalmologists must be aware of the link between several ophthalmic procedures and herpes recurrence, according to a report in the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. The study found preventive treatment for herpes recurrence is common among U.K. ophthalmologists.
Why it matters
Herpes simplex virus is present in about 90% of people worldwide, so many patients undergoing eye surgery may carry the virus. Because there is no consensus on how to manage these patients, the findings highlight a gap in clinical practice.
Corneal transplant is the procedure most commonly associated with herpes recurrence, followed by lamellar keratoplasty, PRK, LASIK, SMILE, and cataract surgery. The standard prophylaxis cited is valacyclovir 500 mg twice daily, starting one week before surgery.
The players
Loh
A researcher cited for findings that cataract surgery can trigger reactivation of herpes simplex virus or herpes zoster.
The details
Ophthalmologists can identify patients with a prior herpes history before surgery, including by looking for corneal scarring or neovascularization. Cataract surgery can trigger reactivation of herpes simplex or herpes zoster, according to researcher Loh.
Timeline
One week before surgery: preventive valacyclovir treatment begins.
Postoperatively: valacyclovir continues until the end of the steroid treatment course.
Health Landscape
Preventive valacyclovir prophylaxis before and after ophthalmic surgery is documented in a Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery study of U.K. ophthalmologists. The study shows the practice is widespread even though no clinical consensus has been established.
Patients with a history of herpes may ask their eye surgeon whether preventive antiviral treatment is appropriate before a procedure. Valacyclovir is cited as a common option, and the study suggests discussing it before surgery.
The takeaway
Patients with a history of herpes should tell their ophthalmologist before eye surgery so preventive treatment can be considered. Clinicians are encouraged to screen for prior infection using signs such as corneal scarring.
Further reading
For more on related neurological and vascular conditions, explore our Stroke coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Healio.
