The virus that causes cold sores on the lips can also cause “cold sores” on the eye. The picture below is not an ulcerative herpes simplex lesion but is an inflammation that occurs because of the virus, without the primary infection . After initial infection the virus harbors itself in the nerves and remains inactive. During periods of stress, the virus is triggered and activated and causes problems in the eye.
In the case below the patient cleared with a combination of anti-virals and steroid drops. This condition has to be managed very very carefully.