Early ocular sign of herpes zoster: March 2009

Ans. D: Vesicles on eyelids A prodrome of tingling of the forehead may occur. During acute disease, in addition to the forehead rash, symptoms and signs may include severe neuralgic pain along the course of the nerves which is so characteristic of zoster that they should arouse suspicion of the nature of the disease before the vesicles appear. The pain sometimes ceases after the outbreak of the eruptions. The skin of the lids and other area affected becomes red and edematous. The vesicles may suppurate. Complications includes keratitis accompanied by uveitis followed by scarring. Late sequelae -- glaucoma, cataract, chronic or recurrent uveitis, corneal scarring, corneal neovascularization, and Hypesthesia -- are common and may threaten vision.