Some sexually transmitted infections have ophthalmologic symptoms and consequences in the eye that can lead to blindness. These include syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and the
HIV-AIDS. Syphilis can cause uveitis, optic neuritis, conjunctivitis, retinitis, dacryocystitis, scleritis and other eye diseases, Babies born to mothers with syphilis may have inflammation of the cornea or uvea, and there may be atrophy of the optic nerve. Babies born to women with chlamydia often have chlamydial conjunctivitis. Someone with gonorrhea can spread the infection to the eyes from secretions on the fingers, and this can result in gonococcal conjunctivitis and even perforation of the cornea. One of the opportunistic infections associated with AIDS is cytomegalovirus (CMV), which can lead to CMV-related retinitis or optic neuropathy. Untreated CMV retinitis can lead to blindness. Even with treatment, blindness cannot always be prevented. People with AIDS, who have compromised immune systems, are also subject to a number of other viral, bacterial and fungal infections that can affect the eye. Last Updated: 3/20/2003
The Johns Hopkins University 1996-2003. All rights reserved. This information is not intended to provide advice on personal medical matters, nor is it intended to be a substitute for consultation.
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