Every August, National Immunization Awareness Month highlights the importance of vaccination throughout life. Vaccines help prevent infectious diseases that can cause serious illness, hospitalization, disability, and death. Some vaccine-preventable infections can also affect the eyes or threaten vision.
For patients in Roswell, Cumming, North Fulton County, and Forsyth County, reviewing vaccination records is one part of protecting overall health. Routine eye examinations and prompt evaluation of new eye symptoms are also important for maintaining healthy vision.
Diseases Prevented by Routine Immunizations
Vaccines recommended in the United States help protect against:
- Chickenpox (varicella)
- COVID-19
- Diphtheria
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- Hepatitis A and hepatitis B
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Influenza
- Measles, mumps, and rubella
- Meningococcal disease
- Pneumococcal disease
- Polio
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Rotavirus
- Shingles
- Tetanus
- Pertussis, also called whooping cough
Additional vaccines may be recommended based on age, health conditions, pregnancy, occupation, travel, or exposure risks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains separate immunization schedules for children, adolescents, and adults.
Vaccine-Preventable Diseases That Can Affect the Eyes
Shingles and the Eyes
Shingles occurs when the varicella-zoster virus—the virus that causes chickenpox—reactivates later in life. When shingles affects the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve, the condition is called herpes zoster ophthalmicus.
Herpes zoster ophthalmicus can involve the eyelids, surface of the eye, cornea, or internal structures of the eye. It can cause acute or chronic complications, including vision loss. The CDC recommends two doses of recombinant zoster vaccine for adults age 50 and older and for adults age 19 and older who have weakened immune systems because of disease or treatment.
A painful or blistering rash on the forehead, eyelid, or nose—particularly when accompanied by eye redness, pain, light sensitivity, or a change in vision—requires prompt medical evaluation by an eye doctor or other qualified healthcare professional.
Measles and Eye Symptoms
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. Early symptoms commonly include fever, cough, a runny nose, and red, watery eyes caused by conjunctivitis. Serious complications can include pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, and death. Measles can also contribute to corneal injury and blindness, particularly in children with vitamin A deficiency.
The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine—commonly called the MMR vaccine—provides long-lasting protection against measles.
Rubella and Congenital Eye Conditions
Rubella is often a mild illness in children and adults, but infection during pregnancy can have severe consequences for a developing baby. Congenital rubella syndrome can cause cataracts, congenital glaucoma, pigmentary retinopathy, hearing impairment, heart defects, and developmental problems.
Preventing congenital rubella syndrome is a primary objective of rubella vaccination programs. Rubella protection is included in the MMR vaccine. The MMR vaccine is not administered during pregnancy, so immunity should be reviewed with a healthcare professional before pregnancy when possible.
Chickenpox and Shingles
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Although it is usually associated with an itchy, blister-like rash, the infection can produce serious complications, especially in adults, pregnant people, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems.
The virus can remain dormant in the body after a person recovers from chickenpox and later reactivate as shingles. Varicella vaccination helps prevent chickenpox. Shingles vaccination is used to reduce the risk of shingles and its complications later in life.
Staying Up to Date With Recommended Vaccines
Vaccination needs depend on age, medical history, pregnancy status, immune-system function, occupation, travel, and previous vaccine doses. Vaccines greatly reduce the risk of specific diseases and their complications, but no vaccine prevents every case.
During National Immunization Awareness Month, patients should review their immunization records with a primary-care physician, pediatrician, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare professional. Current recommendations are available through the CDC immunization schedules.
Eye Care in Roswell and Cumming, Georgia
North Fulton Eye Center and Cumming Eye Clinic provide ophthalmology and comprehensive eye care for patients in Roswell, Cumming, Alpharetta, North Fulton County, Forsyth County, and surrounding North Georgia communities.
Patients should seek prompt care for sudden vision changes, significant eye pain, severe light sensitivity, or a blistering rash near the eye.
North Fulton Eye Center Providers
- Susanne Hewitt, MD
- Hannah Park, MD
- Lauren Snellings, MD
To schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist in Roswell, GA, or Cumming, GA, call North Fulton Eye Center at (770) 475-0123.