Can You Get an STD (STI) in Your Eyes? Chlamydia and More

It's possible to get a sexually transmitted infection (STI), or sexually transmitted disease (STD), in the eye. Research has found that chlamydia can affect the eyes in infants. This condition, known as ophthalmia neonatorum, is transmitted from mother to fetus during childbirth. Chlamydial eye infection may cause pus-like discharge, similar to conjunctivitis (pink eye).

Other STIs that may cause eye diseases include gonorrhea, syphilis, and herpes, especially in infants. Read on to learn if and how you and your infant can get an STI like chlamydia in the eyes.

Picture of STI (Chlamydia) in Eyes

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Chlamydia, caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis, is one of the most common STIs in the United States. The infection most commonly affects the cervix in women and the urethra in men. Chlamydia may cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), as well as pregnancy and childbirth problems.

Causes and Symptoms

C. trachomatis most commonly spreads through sexual activity, but the bacteria may also transmit to infants during childbirth and cause eye symptoms. Adults may develop eye symptoms if bodily fluids enter the eyes during sexual activity.

Chlamydia may not cause symptoms initially, but you may later notice:

• A burning sensation during sex or urination
• Inflammation
• Pain
• Vaginal or penile discharge

Sexual Transmission

Chlamydia mostly spreads through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The bacteria can enter through the cervix, urethra, rectum, or throat.

Mother-To-Fetus Transmission

A pregnant person with chlamydia can transmit the bacteria to the fetus during childbirth. This infection is a type of conjunctivitis known as ophthalmia neonatorum.

Exposure to Bodily Fluids

Traveling through an infected birth canal is not the only way a person can develop chlamydia in their eye. It's possible that bodily fluids infected with C. trachomatis can get into a person's eye during sexual activity and cause a chlamydial eye infection.

Chlamydial Eye Infections in Newborns

Ophthalmia neonatorum is a type of conjunctivitis caused by chlamydia in newborns. Conjunctivitis causes the conjunctiva (the clear membrane that protects your eye's outer layer) to become infected or inflamed. The infection, which typically occurs within five to 14 days after childbirth, causes pus-like eye discharge and eye swelling.

Treatment

Chlamydial eye infections can last about five days. A healthcare provider will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.

It's always best to prevent transmission in the first place. Make sure to use latex or polyurethane condoms during sexual activity to limit the spread of chlamydia. Ensure you and your partner have tested for STIs if you are trying to get pregnant. Regular testing can protect you and your infant from getting chlamydia.

Other STDs in Eyes

Other STIs can spread to the eyes in the same way as chlamydia. These STIs typically affect the mucous membranes on the skin near your genitals and throat. The infection may spread to the conjunctiva if bodily fluids come into contact with your eyes.

Gonorrhea

Infants may develop ophthalmia neonatorum caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This bacteria causes gonorrhea. Gonorrhea can spread during childbirth, and symptoms typically appear within two to five days after. Symptoms typically include eyelid swelling, irritation, and thick eye discharge.

Adults may develop similar symptoms if N. gonorrhoeae comes into contact with the eyes, usually during sexual activity. This infection is known as gonococcal conjunctivitis (GC). Antibiotics and treat infection in infants and adults.

Syphilis

Although rare, ocular syphilis may occur if the bacteria Treponema pallidum spreads through sexual activity. Ocular syphilis may also be transmitted to the fetus during childbirth. Symptoms typically include blurry vision, eye pain, and sensitivity to light. Antibiotics typically cure ocular syphilis.

Herpes

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) typically affects the mouth and genitals but may lead to vision changes. You may develop recurrent herpes simplex keratitis, an infection of the cornea (the outermost part of your eye). Symptoms include blurry vision, eye pain, and watery discharge.

Herpes simplex keratitis may cause blindness if untreated. A healthcare provider will likely prescribe eye drops or an oral antiviral drug. Severe scarring that causes vision problems may require surgery.

A Quick Review

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can enter through the cervix, urethra, rectum, or throat. The infection can affect the eyes in infants if the bacteria is transmitted to the fetus during childbirth.

See a healthcare provider if you or your infant have chlamydia symptoms, including pus-like discharge from the eyes. Antibiotics can clear up a chlamydial eye infection. To try to prevent transmission and limit the spread of chlamydia, use latex or polyurethane condoms during sexual activity