• Chlamydia
• Infections
• STDs
• Sexual Health

Can You Get Chlamydia in Your Eyes?

Medically reviewed and edited by Suzanne Biggs, FNP-C

What is Chlamydia and How Do You Get It?

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is caused by harmful bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis.

This condition affects both men and women and causes pain or discomfort in the genital area.

The most common way to get infected with chlamydia is through sexual contact with an infected partner — this includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

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Can You Get Chlamydia in the Eye?

If left untreated or if you’re not careful, a chlamydia trachomatis infection can spread to other parts of the body.

In fact, chlamydial infections in the eyes make up around 5% of acute cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STD).

This is called adult chlamydial conjunctivitis — or adult inclusion conjunctivitis — and it occurs when the thin membrane inside the eyes comes into contact with Chlamydia trachomatis.

The eyes may be exposed to infected fluids during activities like oral sex. You can also infect your eyes if you touch them after you’ve touched your own or a partner’s infected genitals.

At first, chlamydial conjunctivitis may appear similar to a normal eye infection. You may also experience the following symptoms:

• Swollen eyelids

• Mucous-like and watery discharge from the infected eye

• Tearing

• Light sensitivity

• Swollen lymph nodes around the eyes

If you contracted this eye condition after contact with an infected person, you may also develop a genital chlamydial infection.

Chlamydia eye infections in newborns

Eye infections are common in newborns whose mothers have the condition before giving birth.

Research shows that between 30-50% of newborns can contract neonatal chlamydial conjunctivitis — also known as neonatal inclusion conjunctivitis.

This usually happens when the babies come into contact with chlamydia as they pass through the vaginal cavity.

If left untreated, neonatal conjunctivitis can lead to complications like scarring on the cornea and even blindness.

Neonatal conjunctivitis can also cause pneumonia and sepsis if it spreads to other parts of the body.

How Do I Know if I Have Chlamydia in My Eye?

If you suspect that you might have a chlamydial eye infection, you should look out for the following symptoms:

• Redness

• Irritation

• Discharge from one or both eyes

• Swollen eyelids

Some people may also develop light sensitivity or blurred vision.

It’s important to seek professional medical attention as soon as you start showing any of these symptoms.

This helps to resolve the infection quickly, preventing further complications like other bacterial eye infections.

How long does it take for chlamydia to affect the eyes?

It may take several weeks for conjunctivitis symptoms to develop after you’ve been infected with chlamydia.

Some people may also be asymptomatic, meaning they won’t develop any symptoms.

That’s why it’s recommended to get tested as soon as you suspect that you’ve been in contact with infected fluids.

What are the Treatments for Chlamydia of the Eyes?

A chlamydia eye infection can usually be treated with oral antibiotics. Some cases can also be treated with a topical antibiotic ointment.

The treatment will depend on the severity of the infection and factors like allergies or other medical conditions.

If your doctor recommends antibiotics, it’s important to complete the course exactly as prescribed — even if your symptoms improve. This helps to ensure that the infection has cleared completely.

Can a Chlamydia Eye Infection Be Prevented?

The best way to prevent chlamydia in the eyes is to practice safe sex. This means using condoms during oral, vaginal, or anal sex.

You should also avoid sharing sex toys and make sure that they’ve been properly cleaned before use.

Remember to wash your hands after genital contact and avoid touching your eyes. Both can also go a long way in preventing chlamydial conjunctivitis.

When Should You See a Doctor About Your Chlamydia Eye Symptoms?

If you suspect that you have chlamydial conjunctivitis or are concerned about any of your symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor.

The licensed healthcare professionals at LifeMD can also provide you with a diagnosis and prescriptions for any medications you may need — all from the comfort of your own home.

Head over to LifeMD to make a telehealth appointment.

Suzanne Biggs, FNP-C

Suzanne is a seasoned Family Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. She believes in a comprehensive approach to health. Her commitment to promoting this holistic perspective on health and wellness is evident in the thoughtful care and guidance she provides to her patients. When not busy with her professional responsibilities, Suzanne enjoys spending time with her family and her horses, cultivating her flower garden, doing various crafts, and collecting seashells on the beach in her home state of Florida.

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