Can you get Chlamydia in your eyes?

Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI). People usually get Chlamydia in their genitals and their throat. But can they get a Chlamydia infection in their eyes?

In this blog, we will discuss how Chlamydia can infect your eyes and what you can do to prevent it.

How can Chlamydia infect your eye?

While it is more common to get a Chlamydia infection in your genitals, mouth, or rectum, it is also possible to get a Chlamydia infection in your eye. A Chlamydia infection of the eye is also known as Chlamydial conjunctivitis or inclusion conjunctivitis.

While it is most common in younger sexually active adults, anyone who is sexually active can get a Chlamydia infection in their eyes.

Most instances of Chlamydial conjunctivitis are caused by getting a partner’s genital secretions infected with the bacteria in your eye, or by touching genital secretions and then touching your eye. Chlamydial conjunctivitis can infect one or both eyes.

You can also transfer Chlamydia from your genitals to your eye. If you have a genital Chlamydia infection and you touch your genitals and then touch your eye, you may develop Chlamydial conjunctivitis.

New-borns can also contract Chlamydial conjunctivitis during birth while travelling through the birth canal of a mother who has a Chlamydia infection. Around 30%-50% of infants born to a mother with a Chlamydia infection will develop neonatal Chlamydial conjunctivitis.

You should not take a Chlamydia infection in your eye lightly. Chlamydial conjunctivitis is a leading cause of blindness in some parts of the world.

What are the symptoms of a Chlamydia infection in the eye?

Chlamydial conjunctivitis may not present with any symptoms. However, the most common symptoms include:

• Swelling, itchy, or inflamed eyes
• Pus or other kinds of unusual discharge
• Swollen lymph nodes around the eyes
• Light sensitivity

How can you avoid getting Chlamydia in your eye?

Before getting intimate with a new partner, you should get tested for sexually transmitted infections. Doing so will help reduce the risk of spreading any infections you may have and get treated accordingly.

You may also wish to avoid getting any genital secretions in or near your eyes during the sexual act, and to wash your skin thoroughly before you touch your eyes with your hands.

Final thoughts

If you think you have a Chlamydia infection in your eye, you should get tested as soon as possible.

Call the number above to speak to one of Better2Know’s Sexual Health Advisors. They can help you choose a clinic and test that’s right for you.