Zoster Eye Disease Study (ZEDS)

This study is a double-masked, placebo controlled randomized clinical trial looking to find out whether one year of a low dose of the medicine valacyclovir reduces complications of shingles affecting the eye.

Inclusion Criteria

• Ability to take oral medication and willing to adhere to study medication regimen
• Diagnosed with Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus (HZO) in one eye with V1 distribution and documented history within 1 year of enrollment of either dendritiform epithelial keratitis (DEK), stromal keratitis (SK), endothelial keratitis (EK), or iritis (IR

Exclusion Criteria

• History of immunocompromised status
• Renal insufficiency
• Allergy or adverse reaction to valcyclovir or acyclovi

Study Requirements

8 study visits over the span of 18-21 months. 5 blood collections of approximately 2 teaspoons each time.