Abstract

Background: Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus is the clinical manifestation of reactivated varicella zoster virus in the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve. Reactivation may be triggered by several factors. The aim of this paper is to report an unusual trigger of Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus.
Case Report: A 53-years-old male, with adult onset diabetes had intraocular pressure measured by the non-contact Keeler (easy eye) Pulsair tonometer. The patient developed characteristic herpes zoster eruption few hours later. There was no corneal involvement and the vesicular eruptions resolved satisfactorily with treatment with no visual deficit.
Conclusions: It is possible the puff of air shot onto the cornea by the non contact tonometer may precipitate an attack of herpes zoster ophthalmicus. Ophthalmologist and those that measure intraocular pressures with non contact tonometers on their behalf should be aware of this possibility of triggering of herpes zoster ophthalmicus.

Keywords: Pulsair tonometer, Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus, unusual trigger