Recent research presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting indicates that long-term, low-dose antiviral treatment can significantly reduce the risk of vision-threatening inflammation and pain associated with shingles affecting the eyes. The study focused on herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO), which affects around 8% of the over one million annual shingles cases in the U.S.
Participants who received valacyclovir for a year experienced a 26% reduction in new or worsening eye disease and fewer flare-ups compared to those on a placebo. Additionally, those treated with the antiviral had less pain over time and required fewer pain medications, which are often ineffective and can cause dizziness, especially in older patients. The findings support the integration of long-term valacyclovir treatment into clinical practice for managing HZO and highlight the importance of shingles vaccination, as only 12% of eligible adults have received the recommended Shingrix vaccine.