Several sexually transmitted infections can cause inflammation and damage in or around the eye. Recognizing these conditions early allows The London Clinic Eye Centre to treat the eye disease promptly and work with sexual health services to address the underlying infection.
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Which STIs can affect the eyes, and how
A number of sexually transmitted infections can cause problems in or around the eye, affecting the eye surface, cornea or deeper structures. Symptoms may include a red or painful eye, discharge, light sensitivity, watering, blurred vision or floaters, and some infections can lead to longer-term damage if left untreated. Our specialists treat the eye disease while liaising with sexual health or infectious diseases teams to manage the underlying infection.
The following infections can involve the eyes:
Chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis)
Eye condition: Adult inclusion conjunctivitis.
Symptoms: Persistent red eye, irritation, mucous discharge, often affecting one eye more than the other.
Why it matters: Without treatment, symptoms can continue for weeks and may lead to ongoing discomfort and potential complications.
How we help: Our corneal specialists diagnose and manage the eye inflammation and coordinate with sexual health services to ensure the underlying infection is treated.
Gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae)
Eye condition: Hyperacute bacterial conjunctivitis and keratitis.
Symptoms: Sudden onset of very red eye with profuse, thick pus-like discharge, marked swelling and rapid progression.
Why it matters: Gonococcal eye infection can cause rapid corneal damage and, if untreated, may lead to corneal perforation and permanent vision loss.
How we help: Our corneal specialists assess the eye urgently, arrange appropriate antibiotic treatment and liaise with sexual health specialists for systemic therapy.
Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2)
Eye conditions: Conjunctivitis, keratitis and uveitis.
Symptoms: Red eye, watering, pain, light sensitivity and sometimes blurred vision; recurrent episodes may occur.
Why it matters: Repeated or severe infections can scar the cornea or damage deeper structures, affecting vision.
How we help: Our corneal specialists diagnose and treat ocular herpes infections and advise on strategies to reduce the risk of flare-ups.
Syphilis (Treponema pallidum)
Eye conditions: Uveitis, including retinitis, papillitis and other forms of ocular inflammation.
Symptoms: Blurred vision, floaters, light sensitivity and sometimes eye pain.
Why it matters: Ocular syphilis can threaten sight and may occur with or without other symptoms of syphilis.
How we help: Our uveitis specialists identify and manage the eye disease and ensure urgent liaison with sexual health or infectious diseases teams for systemic treatment.
HIV and opportunistic infections
Eye conditions: HIV retinopathy and opportunistic infections such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, herpes zoster ophthalmicus and others.
Symptoms: Depending on the condition, these may include floaters, blurred vision, rash affecting the forehead or eyelids, and other signs.
Why it matters: Some infections can significantly reduce vision or cause permanent damage if not recognized and treated promptly.
How we help: Our uveitis specialists work closely with HIV and infectious diseases teams to manage eye complications as part of your wider care.
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Eye conditions: Conjunctival papillomas and, rarely, pre-cancerous or cancerous changes on the eye surface.
Symptoms: Wart-like growths on the conjunctiva or eyelids; occasionally more serious lesions.
Why it matters: While many papillomas are benign, monitoring and, in some cases, treatment are important.
How we help: Our corneal specialists assess suspicious lesions and advise on observation, medical treatment or surgery where appropriate.
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV)
Varicella-zoster virus is not sexually transmitted. However, eye involvement, especially in young patients who develop a shingles (herpes zoster) skin rash, is more common in people living with HIV or other conditions that weaken the immune system.
Eye conditions: Shingle skin rash, associated with a painful, blistering rash on the forehead and around the eye; keratitis and uveitis associated with red eye, watering, pain, light sensitivity and blurred vision.
Why it matters: Without treatment, zoster affecting the eye can cause scarring, chronic inflammation and vision problems.
How we help: Our uveitis specialists manage the eye inflammation and coordinate timing of antiviral treatment with your wider care team.
Diagnosis and tests
Step 1 Detailed history and eye examination
Your consultant at The London Clinic Eye Centre will take a detailed history and perform a thorough eye examination to identify which part of the eye is affected.
Step 2 Advanced imaging (if required)
Depending on your symptoms, they may recommend advanced imaging tests such as OCT (optical coherence tomography), fundus colour photography and fundus autofluorescence to assess the back of the eye in more detail.
Step 3 Ocular swabs and fluid samples
When a sexually transmitted infection is suspected, your specialist can also take ocular swabs or fluid samples on-site to test for chlamydia, gonorrhoea and herpes.
Results, follow-up and coordinated care
Results are reviewed promptly and discussed with you at follow-up, and with your permission can be shared with your GP or sexual health clinic so that eye and systemic treatment plans are fully coordinated.
Treatment of STI-related eye disease
Treatment depends on the underlying infection and the part of the eye involved. It may include:
- Antibiotic, antiviral or anti-inflammatory eye drops/ointment.
- Systemic medication (such as tablets) to treat eye inflammation or infection.
- Close monitoring to ensure the eye responds to treatment and to detect any complications.
At the same time, sexual health services or infectious diseases specialists will treat the underlying STI and advise on partner testing and prevention.
Outlook and follow-up
Many STI-related eye problems respond well to timely treatment, especially when both the eye disease and the underlying infection are appropriately managed. In more advanced cases, scarring or permanent visual changes can occur, which is why early referral and specialist care are so important.
Why choose The London Clinic Eye Centre?
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