Eye herpes is also known as ocular herpes.  This form of the simplex virus is type 1 and is found on the cornea of the eyeball.  Some people also call it a cold sore of the eye.  It can be very painful and irritating and is caused by close contact with someone who is having an outbreak.  If you touch someone who is having an outbreak you may get the simplex 1 virus.  This virus will show signs on your eye and on your cornea.  You can even get it on your retina and that is called herpes retinitis.  There are a few forms of this eye virus: Herpes keratitis, the corneal infection; Stromal keratitis, affects the deep layers of the cornea and can leave scarring and lead to blindness; Iridocyclitis infects the iris of the eye and is very serious. If you do have ocular herpes you must get treatment right away.