Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus Complicated by Unilateral Ptosis and Abducens Nerve Palsy: A Case Report.

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) is a viral condition that presents as a painful vesicular rash in the trigeminal nerve dermatome. In some cases, self-limiting extraocular muscle palsies may occur several weeks after the onset of HZO and last for weeks to months. A 71-year-old man developed a debilitating binocular horizontal diplopia and ptosis about four weeks after the onset of HZO symptoms. He had no uveitis, keratitis, or changes in visual acuity. Examination revealed left abducens palsy and ptosis. Symptoms resolved within eight weeks without any intervention.