Herpes of the eyes (also known as ocular herpes) is caused by the same herpes simplex virus that is largely responsible for cold sores and fever blisters. Ocular herpes is the most common infectious cause of corneal blindness in America. The disease typically causes painful sores on the eyelid or cornea and can eventually cause the cornea itself to inflame. This leads to the breakdown and destruction of cells within the cornea, causing scarring and blindness. Though the virus itself never leaves the body, ocular herpes breakouts can be controlled and treated with prescriptions from your ophthalmologist.