The eye infection that has kept David Letterman from hosting his Late Show last week was caused by shingles, his doctor said.
The condition is a viral infection of the nerve roots that typically results in pain and rash.
"Tests have shown that Dave's eye infection is a result of shingles," said Dr. Louis J. Aronne, an internist at New York Presbyterian Hospital. "It has been treated and the area of inflammation has gone down significantly. Dave is on his way to a full recovery."
Except for when he missed time after a heart bypass operation, this is the first time Letterman, 53, has called in sick in 20 years, a representative for the CBS show said. This week is a planned "dark" week, when reruns will air. AP