

Trachoma can be spread through contact with an infected person, through contaminated clothing or towels, or through insects such as flies that can carry the disease. This friction essentially causes irreversible blindness. The infected and scarred eyelid then turns inward, and eyelashes begin to brush against the cornea and destroy corneal tissue. Trachoma infects the inner eyelid, causing it to scar. Though it is more prominent in developing countries, trachoma is the leading cause of infectious blindness around the world. Trachoma is a severe eye infection caused by a bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis - the same bacteria that causes chlamydial conjunctivitis. If the condition is left untreated in newborns, it can lead to further complications, such as lung infections and even blindness. Newborns typically begin experiencing these symptoms around 5 to 7 days after birth.Ĭhlamydial conjunctivitis in newborns is treated through IV antibiotics, as well as with antibiotic ointment. Symptoms of chlamydial conjunctivitis in newborns may include swelling, redness or watery discharge. Up to 50 percent of newborn babies can contract chlamydia from an infected mother during delivery, according to research. Chlamydial conjunctivitis in newbornsĪ pregnant woman who is infected with chlamydia can infect her newborn baby as he or she passes through the birth canal during delivery. The condition may also recur in those who have had it before and require treatment again in the future. If you have chlamydia or chlamydial conjunctivitis, your sexual partner(s) should also be treated to prevent further spread of the infection.Ĭhlamydia that is left untreated can lead to further complications for the eye.
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Most cases clear up within a few weeks, but in order for the infection to heal completely, it is critical to take the full dose of antibiotics as directed.

TreatmentĬhlamydial conjunctivitis can be treated with oral and/or topical antibiotics, such as eye drops or ointment. Your eye doctor will also likely take a swab of your conjunctiva and send it off to be tested in a laboratory for specific bacteria.Īdditionally, your doctor may recommend that you are tested for additional sexually transmitted infections or diseases, including syphilis or gonorrhea, both of which can cause infections that can spread to the eyes. SEE RELATED: Eye infections: Bacterial, fungal and viral DiagnosisĬhlamydial conjunctivitis is diagnosed through an eye exam. Giving birth, if the pregnant woman is infected Sharing cosmetics such as mascara or false eyelashes with an infected person Touching your eye with unwashed hands after having sexual contact with an infected person Sharing towels or linens with an infected person The bacteria can be spread to the eye in other various ways, including the following: CausesĬhlamydial conjunctivitis is most often transmitted sexually, when the eye comes into direct contact with an infected person’s urinary or genital fluids. The best way to determine this is through a visit to your eye doctor for an examination.

If you experience either of these in addition to other major symptoms, you could be experiencing a different kind of infection. Some of the main symptoms of a chlamydial eye infection include:Ĭhlamydia does not typically cause vision changes or notable pain in the affected eye. One or both eyes may be affected, though it typically only occurs in one. Symptoms of chlamydial conjunctivitis usually develop slowly. Infants who have contracted chlamydial conjunctivitis as they pass through the birth canal are also at risk for developing lung infections. If the condition goes untreated, however, it can lead to further complications including blindness. This condition is often referred to as chlamydial conjunctivitis (or inclusion conjunctivitis).Ĭhlamydial conjunctivitis is treatable through oral or topical antibiotics. When chlamydia affects the eye, conjunctivitis (pink eye) can occur. Chlamydia is most common in the genital area, but it can affect eyes as well. Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis.
