Chlamydia or gonorrhea eye infection

Overview

These infections spread from the genitals to the eyes by hand or at birth.

Newborns get eye ointment at birth to prevent them.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Red eye with heavy discharge
• Pink eye that won't clear up for weeks, or after fluids got in the eye during sex

Less common

• Swollen eyelids

When to get medical care

Causes

STI.

Does it spread or run in families?

• Yes, it can spread from person to person.
• How it spreads: sex or touch.
• Condoms lower the risk. Sex partners should be tested and treated too.

Who is more likely to get it

• Newborns

Diagnosis

Swab.

Treatment

Treat.

Self-care

• Wash hands

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a sexual health clinic, an OB-GYN, or a urologist; your local health department can test for free or low cost.

Back to school, work, or sports

• You can go to school and work as usual.
• Don't have sex until you and your partners finish treatment and your doctor says it's OK.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Curable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing my symptoms?
• What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Chlamydia or gonorrhea eye infection