A person infected with the parasite that causes chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease, may also develop a chlamydia eye infection, called chlamydia conjunctivitis. The most common symptom, as with many eye diseases, is redness of one or both eyes. Other frequent symptoms include unusual discharge, impaired vision, and swollen eyelids.

In many cases, a person who is diagnosed with a chlamydia eye infection will have had symptoms for several weeks before an accurate diagnosis is made. This is primarily because the symptoms are similar to many other eye infections. For example, the main symptoms for a chlamydia eye infection include red eyes, irritated eyes, and tearing. There may also be pus-like or mucus-like discharge coming out of the eye. These symptoms are not unique to a chlamydia eye infection.

In many cases, the discharge from the eye or eyes is so severe that the lashes will crust together and the eyelids will appear to be glued shut. In addition, the eyelids of a person with a chlamydia eye infection may be swollen. The swelling may be quite extreme, and it may impair a person from opening her eyes. Many people complain that their vision is blurry as well. Unlike some eye infections, a chlamydia eye infection can infect one or both eyes.

After a medical doctor looks at the eye or eyes and analyzes the symptoms, a person affected with this eye infection may be misdiagnosed. As a result, the person may be given a form of topical antibiotic. That antibiotic will be applied to the infected eye or eyes for several weeks. When no improvement has been made during that duration, chlamydia may be considered, particularly if an adult has engaged in risky sexual content prior to the eye infection.

In rare cases, the chlamydia eye infection will be so severe that the cornea may have ulcers and the iris may appear infected. In those circumstances, a medical doctor may be better able to diagnose the condition. Unfortunately, if the symptoms have become that severe, the affected person’s eyesight may be compromised.

Although a chlamydia eye infection is a sexually transmitted disease, it is not limited to adults. Some newborn babies can contract the condition if their mothers gave birth to them when they were infected with the disease. As a result, the condition can be found in young and old patients alike. It is generally treated with a powerful antibiotic.