How Common Are Long-Term Complications of Shingles?

One of the benefits of getting the shingles vaccine is to reduce the risk of long-term complications. Shingles can cause lasting pain, vision damage, scarring, and more. These complications can last weeks, months, or years. In some cases (such as vision loss), shingles complications may be permanent.

How common is long-term nerve pain from shingles (postherpetic neuralgia)?

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) refers to long-term nerve pain in the area where the shingles rash was. It can be debilitating.

“[PHN] can wake people up from sleep, it can keep them from sleeping, and it can make it harder to do day-to-day activities,” says Peter DeMarco, MD, Family Medicine Physician at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

According to the CDC, PHN affects between 10% and 18% of people who get shingles.

How common is vision loss from shingles?

Shingles can sometimes affect the area near the eyes, which is called herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO). This may increase the risk of dry eyes, infections, or even vision loss in some cases. It may cause the optic nerve to swell, and/or it could damage the surface of the cornea. 

HZO occurs in 10% to 20% of shingles cases, according to a 2015 article. Keep in mind that not all cases of HZO result in blindness or vision loss.

How can you reduce the risk of shingles complications?

There are two key factors that may reduce the risk of shingles complications:

1. Get the shingles vaccine once you are eligible: People who get the vaccine generally have fewer complications and milder symptoms.

2. See a doctor as soon as you notice symptoms of shingles: Treatment reduces the length and severity of shingles, and it works best when started within a couple days of the rash appearing.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about the shingles vaccine and your eligibility.