What is the effect of herpes on eye health?

Herpes can have significant adverse effects on eye health, particularly through a condition known as herpes simplex keratitis. This condition arises from the herpes simplex virus (HSV) infecting the cornea — the clear, front layer of the eye. When the virus affects this area, individuals may experience severe pain, redness, watering of the eyes, and sensitivity to light.

One of the serious complications of herpes keratitis is corneal scarring, which can result from inflammation and damage caused by the virus. This scarring can lead to vision loss if not properly treated. Thus, herpes not only causes discomfort and pain but also poses a risk of long-term complications affecting the cornea and potentially leading to vision impairment or blindness. This makes option B the correct choice, as it accurately describes the impact of herpes on eye health.