Herpes zoster infection of the face with potential ocular involvement requires urgent ophthalmology consideration due to risk of which complication?

• A. Corneal involvement
• B. Optic neuritis
• C. Glaucoma
• D. Cataracts

Answer: (B)

Herpes zoster involving the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve can affect the eye in several ways, but the most urgent threat is inflammation of the optic nerve. Optic neuritis is a vision-threatening complication that can cause rapid or subacute loss of visual acuity and color vision, and it needs prompt evaluation and management to minimize permanent damage. When the eye is involved, urgent ophthalmology consultation helps confirm whether the optic nerve is affected, initiate appropriate therapy, and monitor for progression or additional eye complications. While corneal involvement, uveitis, glaucoma, and cataracts can also occur with ocular zoster, they do not typically carry the same immediate risk to rapid vision loss as optic neuritis, which is why it’s the emphasis for urgent eye care.