An eye infection can be the first sign leading to an STD diagnosis - Florida Today
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) typically affect the genitals, rectum and throat.
These infections can involve the eyes as the result of direct contact or spread through the bloodstream.
Although they are relatively uncommon, infected eyes can experience blurry vision and irritation.
On rare occasions, the eye infection is the first time that STD is diagnosed because the initial symptoms of infection were very mild and disappeared quickly.
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
The infection is spread by sexual transmission or exchange of blood or other body fluid.
Because of immunocompromised status, the eyes are susceptible to opportunistic infections, including herpes, fungi, bacteria and cytomegalovirus.
Kaposi's Sarcoma is a tumor that commonly occurs in AIDS patients can be found in the eyelids and conjunctiva.
Dr. Ho's previous columns:
Seeing spots: If you notice a spot on your eye, see a doctor immediately
Macular degeneration: It can be scary but options exist to slow it down
Those two are linked? Did you know stomach issues can also have effects on your eyes?
Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood, semen or other body fluid infected with hepatitis B virus.
Early sign of hepatitis infection is jaundice or yellowing of the skin and the eyes.
Some chronic hepatitis can cause inflammation of blood vessels in the retina and the optic nerves resulting in loss of vision.
Syphilis is an STD that infects many organs and causes a wide range of symptoms.
Syphilitic infection of the cornea can cause inflammation, scarring and visual loss.
When the retina, optic nerve and the internal tissues of the eye are infected, the eyes are blurry, red, photophobic and painful.
Neurosyphilis develops in the late stage of syphilis. There can be double vision, abnormal eye movement, pupil change, and visual loss from optic nerve and brain damage.
Chlamydia is a very common sexually transmitted disease in the United States.
An eye with chlamydia infection can feel scratchy, light-sensitive, watery and red. Baby's eyes infected by chlamydia during birth have discharge, swelling and puffy eyelids.
Gonorrhea infection in the eye develops when it comes in contact with infected body fluids.
A newborn's eye can become infected with gonorrhea when it comes in contact with the bacteria during birth and delivery.
The gonorrhea infected eye has green or yellow pus-like discharge. It feels swollen, red, painful and light sensitive.
Pubic lice are caused by a tiny parasite with a crab-like appearance under the microscope.
Lice infestation of the eyelashes make the eyelids itchy and red.
Scabies is a very contagious mite infection through skin to skin contact with an infected person. The parasite lives in and on the skin. Rash develops in the infected eyelids.
Eye diseases caused by sexually transmitted infection can result in serious eye damage and visual loss.
Early diagnosis and treatment help to prevent permanent scarring and blindness.
Prophylactic antibiotic eye medication applied to a newborn's eyes at birth prevents chlamydia and gonorrhea infection.
Dr. Frederick Ho, the medical director of Atlantic Eye MD and Atlantic Surgery and Laser Center, is a board certified ophthalmologist. Atlantic Eye MD is located at 8040 N. Wickham Road in Melbourne. To make an appointment please call (321) 757-7272. To learn more visit AtlanticEyeMD.com.
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