10 Lyme Disease Symptoms
Symptom #7: Vision Problems
Ocular manifestations can be present since the beginning of the disease. In the first stage of Lyme disease, conjunctivitis or inflammation of the white part of the eye (conjunctiva) can be present. This can manifest with tearing and redness of the eye. Some patients may also experience light hypersensitivity or photophobia. These are both mild and transient.
Many important complications can occur during stage two of Lyme disease. Blurred vision and eye pain can be attributed to the inflammation of the cornea (keratitis) or the iris (iritis). Blurred vision can also be a symptom of involvement of the optic nerve, as it enters the back of the eye, and/or its fibers. The inflammation of the optic nerve, can affect one side or both. It can also be associated with other neurologic manifestations. Lastly, Lyme disease is a rare cause of meningitis or the inflammation of the meninges in the central nervous system. One important ocular symptom of meningitis is photophobia or light hypersensitivity.
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