What should you know about gonorrhoea eye infection?

Gonorrhoea bacteria can reach the eye through infected fluids transferred by hands or during sexual contact. Warning signs may include marked redness, swelling, pain, light sensitivity, thick discharge or blurred vision. Symptoms can worsen quickly and the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, may be threatened.

Eye symptoms do not prove gonorrhoea; other infections can look similar. A clinician may take an eye sample and ask about genital, throat or rectal exposure. The sexual-health assessment matters because infection can be present at more than one site.

Seek same-day medical assessment through an emergency service, eye service or sexual-health clinician. Do not wait for a home test, use someone else’s eye drops, or rub the eye. Wash hands after touching the face, avoid sharing towels and avoid sexual contact until a clinician provides clear advice.

Tell the clinician about allergies, pregnancy, medicines and possible exposures. Treatment usually requires prescription antibiotics selected for the suspected infection and may involve eye examination or specialist care. Partners may need confidential testing and treatment.

Go urgently if vision is reduced, eye pain is severe, swelling is increasing, discharge is heavy, light is difficult to tolerate, or you have fever or feel very unwell. A newborn with red, swollen eyes or discharge also needs immediate medical attention.

Ask whether the cornea is involved, which samples are needed, whether other body sites need testing, how to protect the other eye, and when partners should be contacted. Confirm the follow-up plan before leaving.