Last Updated: April 5, 2024
Most STIs can affect the eye.1 Depending on the province where you live, your optometrist may be able to prescribe medication to help treat the infection to the eye or minimize symptoms. If you have any unusual ocular symptoms, see your optometrist.
Chlamydia & Gonorrhea2
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are common bacterial STIs that can cause conjunctivitis (pink eye). The infection gets into the eye either directly through genital fluids such as semen, or when infected people rub their eyes after touching infected genital areas. These infections can be treated with antibiotics.
Infectious Syphilis3
Syphilis is an STI that can cause serious health problems if left untreated. The bacteria that cause syphilis can travel through the bloodstream and spread to the eye. It can affect any part of the eye, but it most commonly affects the cornea, which can lead to interstitial keratitis, the growth of blood vessels in the cornea. This is a serious condition that can reduce vision and even lead to permanent blindness. Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics, while its complications can be managed with steroid medication.
Herpes Simplex Viruses4
Herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 (HSV1 and HSV2) can infect the genitals and eyes. An HSV infection can affect the cornea (the clear dome that covers the front of the eye) and lead to symptoms like watering, redness, blurred vision, and discomfort. In severe cases, it can cause scarring and blindness.
Hepatitis B5
Hepatitis B is caused by infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV is transmitted via blood, semen, or other body fluids. HBV can damage the blood vessels, nerves, and the retina.
HIV/AIDS6
Eye problems are common in people infected with HIV. They most commonly happen because of other infections that take advantage of the weakened immune system. Complications in the eye due to HIV can be managed with lifelong suppressive therapy for systemic HIV and specific treatments of secondary infections, including those of the eye.
How can I help prevent eye complications from sexually transmitted infections?
- Always practice protected sex.
- Wash your hands often. Do not touch or rub your eyes unless your hands are clean.
- Never share eye makeup or cosmetics with anyone. When you have an eye infection, throw out all eye makeup you have been using.
- Do not share towels, washcloths, or pillowcases with others.
- If just one of your eyes has an infection, use a separate towel for each eye.
1 Alwadani, F. (2018). Common Ocular Manifestations of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, 9(1), 1000712. Available from: https://www.longdom.org/open-access/common-ocular-manifestations-of-sex…
2 Alwadani, F. (2018). Common Ocular Manifestations of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, 9 (1), 1000712. Available from: https://www.longdom.org/open-access/common-ocular-manifestations-of-sex…
3 Alwadani, F. (2018). Common Ocular Manifestations of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, 9 (1), 1000712. Available from: https://www.longdom.org/open-access/common-ocular-manifestations-of-sex…
4 Alwadani, F. (2018). Common Ocular Manifestations of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, 9 (1), 1000712. Available from: https://www.longdom.org/open-access/common-ocular-manifestations-of-sex…
5 Tuyen, D., & Gurwood, A. S. (2014). What are the ocular manifestations of hep b? Review of Optometry. Available from: https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/article/what-are-the-ocular-manifesta…
6 Alwadani, F. (2018). Common Ocular Manifestations of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, 9 (1), 1000712. Available from: https://www.longdom.org/open-access/common-ocular-manifestations-of-sex…