|
|
January 7, 2009
|
Chlamydial Inclusion ConjunctivitisOverviewInclusion conjunctivitis is a relatively rare Chlamydial infection that occurs in the young, sexually active population. It is usually caused by transfer of a genital Chlamydial infection via the hands to the eyes. Often it is a unilateral condition, but it can also be bilateral. Due to the fact that the genital symptoms of an infection with Chlamydia trachomatis are very non-specific and mild, an individual with the infection can carry it for a long time without realizing it. Meanwhile, the infection is being passed on to sexual partners and can also be transferred to the child of a pregnant mother (during labor) and to the eyes. Typically, the eye will appear red with discharge, and feel mildly uncomfortable in cases of inclusion conjunctivitis. The first course of treatment will likely be an antibiotic because more often than not, red eyes with discharge are indicators of bacterial conjunctivitis. When the infection does not resolve, however, doctors will look to a diagnosis of inclusion conjunctivitis, particularly when it is confirmed by the patient that he/she is sexually active and it is possible that a sexually transmitted infection could be the culprit. Signs & Symptoms of Inclusion ConjunctivitisInclusion conjunctivitis can affect one eye or both eyes. The affected eye or eyes will be red and it may also feel as though something is caught up in the eye (foreign body sensation). Slight stringy, mucopurulent discharge often accompanies the red eye. Discharge is more noticeable in the morning, when eyelids often stick together. Detection & Diagnosis of Inclusion ConjunctivitisThe best thing to do when you have a persistent red eye is to visit your optometrist. He/she will be able to view the eye under a microscope and differentiate among numerous possible causes. Many of the causes for red eye are minor and may not even require treatment, but on the other hand, there are many other causes of red eye that are potentially very serious and may even lead to permanent loss of vision. Chlamydial inclusion conjunctivitis cannot be definitively diagnosed at an eye examination, but an optometrist can certainly rule out a number of other possible causes of the red eye. Once it is determined that a person may have inclusion conjunctivitis, that person will be sent for testing of STDs (namely Chlamydia, but Gonorrhea often occurs with Chlamydia, so it's best to test for all STDs). Inclusion Conjunctivitis TreatmentThe treatment for inclusion conjunctivitis is simply to treat the infection systemically. The antibiotic of choice is azithromycin, which can be prescribed as a single one-time dose. Prevention of Inclusion ConjunctivitisThe best way to prevent inclusion conjunctivitis is to practice safe sex. If you have been diagnosed and treated for Chlamydia, it is extremely important that you notify all sexual partners that may have been infected as well. This will reduce the spread of the infection and decrease your likelihood of re-infection. DisclaimerThe information provided by KnowYourEyes.com is intended for educational purposes only and in no way replaces the advice and diagnosis of a licensed eye care professional. KnowYourEyes.com disclaims any and all liability for injury or other damages that may result from use of the information obtained from this website. |
|
||||
|
|
© 2009 http://www.knowyoureyes.com
|