Eye infection caused by chlamydia: Symptoms, methods of spreading, and additional details
Chlamydial conjunctivitis is a bacterial infection that affects the eyes, and it's one of the sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can cause conjunctivitis. This article aims to provide a clear understanding of chlamydial conjunctivitis, its symptoms, causes, and treatment.
The infection is primarily caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis, with serotypes D-K. It can affect one or both eyes, and symptoms may include watery discharge or pus, itchy, red, swollen, or scratchy eyes, sensitivity to light, and a pseudomembrane in the eye. In infants, symptoms may also include watery or bloody discharge from the eyes, eyelid swelling, and eye redness.
Chlamydial conjunctivitis typically develops due to sexual contact, but it can also occur in rare cases through swimming in a contaminated pool. A person can contract the infection through hand-to-eye contact following contact with the genital secretions of someone with chlamydia, or by sharing items such as false eyelashes, washcloths, towels, or other cosmetics.
In addition to chlamydia, gonorrhea can also cause conjunctivitis. This infection, known as gonococcal conjunctivitis, requires prompt treatment to prevent blindness.
Risk factors for chlamydial conjunctivitis include having multiple sexual partners, engaging in sex without using a barrier method, having a sexual partner who is asymptomatic, and not washing hands following sexual contact.
For treatment, a doctor may prescribe Azithromycin (1 gram in a single dose), Doxycycline (100 mg twice daily for 1 week), or Erythromycin (500 mg four times daily for 1 week) for adults. In infants, oral antibiotics are prescribed. It's important to note that a person's sexual partners will also require treatment for chlamydial conjunctivitis.
To help prevent chlamydial conjunctivitis, regular testing for STIs is recommended, along with washing hands following sexual contact before touching the eyes and face. Wearing protective barriers during sexual activity can also help reduce the risk of infection.
In the UK, the National Health Service states that eye inflammation from a chlamydial infection will persist until a person starts treatment. Thus, prompt treatment is crucial to prevent complications and ensure a speedy recovery.
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2021. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/2021/
[2] American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2021). Reactive Arthritis. Retrieved from https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/reactive-arthritis-list
[3] American Sexual Health Association. (2021). STDs and the Eye. Retrieved from https://www.ashastd.org/Publications/Patient-Care/STD-A-Z/Eye-Problems-and-STDs
[4] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Chlamydia conjunctivitis. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chlamydia-conjunctivitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352941
[5] World Health Organization. (2021). Chlamydia trachomatis. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chlamydia-trachomatis
- Chlamydia, a bacterial infection, is one of the medical-conditions that can lead to eye-health issues, such as chlamydial conjunctivitis, which affects the eyes.
- Besides chlamydial conjunctivitis, gonococcal conjunctivitis, caused by gonorrhea, can also pose a risk to eye-health, potentially even leading to blindness.
3.while discussing health-and-wellness, it's crucial to consider sexual-health, as bacterial infections like chlamydia can have sexual-transmitted origins.
- Skin-conditions may not be the immediate concern when talking about chlamydial conjunctivitis, but it's important to practice good hygiene and avoid hand-to-eye contact, especially following sexual contact to reduce the risk of chlamydia transmission.
- Mental-health is equally important, and understanding and addressing chlamydial conjunctivitis can help alleviate any anxiety or concerns related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Science and medical-research have provided valuable insights into chlamydial infections, including chlamydial conjunctivitis, enabling the development of effective treatments like Azithromycin, Doxycycline, and Erythromycin.
