Published on: April 18, 2025
Infectious diseases can significantly impact your body’s immune system and overall function. Many people are surprised to learn about the effect that contagious diseases have on vision and eye health, leaving patients struggling for months and years after contracting a disease. Early detection and proper treatment can support you if you are diagnosed with any type of medical condition, especially in Florida’s climate, where certain infections are more common. Let’s discover more about the link between infectious diseases and vision problems and when to see an infectious disease specialist for additional support.
Common Infectious Diseases That Affect Vision
Various bacterial and viral infections can affect vision and cause short- and long-term side effects that can impact your eyesight. Conjunctivitis, often known as pink eye, is a prevalent condition that impacts many of us in our lifetime. This disease irritates and can make daily activities or wearing make-up uncomfortable. Keratitis, a corneal infection, and uveitis inflammation inside the eye due to diseases like syphilis or tuberculosis are other bacterial infections that may impact your eyesight. If you do find you contracted any of these bacterial or viral infections, the quicker you can receive treatment, the more likely you will be to enjoy a fast recovery.
Fungal and parasitic infections can also impact vision. Due to Florida’s unique climate, fungal keratitis, which is very common in humid environments like Florida, and toxoplasmosis, which affects the retina, are possible health risks in Florida (although rare / uncommon).
Systemic Diseases That Impact the Eyes
While many infections and diseases temporarily impact eyesight, some systemic diseases may cause long-term challenges for patients when it comes to their eyesight. HIV and AIDS often result in other related eye infections, such as CMV retinitis. These dangers are another reason that consistent treatment is so essential for anyone with HIV to avoid other associated infections that may impact your quality of life.
Individuals with diabetes often see related infections which lead to vision problems. Tuberculosis is also linked to ocular health as it can cause inflammation in the eyes and lead to vision loss or even blindness when not treated quickly and effectively.
Why Florida’s Climate Poses Unique Risks
While many residents in Florida appreciate the warm temperatures all year round, the state’s unique climate poses risks to your health, which aren’t an issue in other parts of the country. Florida’s warm, humid conditions encourage bacterial and fungal growth, which can quickly spread infections and diseases. Residents in the state have increased exposure to waterborne pathogens from lakes, pools, and the ocean, where many infections can be picked up and spread. There is also a higher prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases like Zika in Florida, which can cause eye complications. It’s crucial to take good care of yourself throughout the year and protect yourself outdoors to avoid some of the conditions we discussed today.
Symptoms to Watch for in Vision-Related Infections
If you notice redness, pain, or swelling in the eyes, these are common symptoms of vision-related infections. Blurred or distorted vision can also suggest an issue with your ocular health, as does sensitivity to light or excessive tearing. Another concern when experiencing vision problems is the presence of unusual floaters or dark spots in the vision. We recommend seeking medical assistance immediately if you notice any of these issues. Your eyes are extremely sensitive, and the longer you leave an infection untreated, the greater the chances of long-term damage to your eyesight.
Preventing Vision Problems from Infectious Diseases
While some infections are entirely unavoidable, there are ways you can work to prevent vision problems and protect your health. Always practice good hygiene by washing your hands throughout the day to avoid the spread of germs. Try to avoid touching your eyes, and if you need to change your contact lenses, wash your hands thoroughly before you carry out this task. Always use clean contact lenses and avoid going swimming with lenses in. If you notice an eye infection or anything unusual with your eye health, seek immediate medical attention. To protect your overall health and your eyes, keep up to date with vaccinations and routine eye exams to help find any issues in the early stages before they can cause long-term damage to your health.
When to See an Infectious Disease Specialist
If you’ve already seen a doctor and received treatment for an eye infection but it’s not getting better — or it’s getting worse — then you may need to see a specialist to get a second opinion. Sometimes, eye problems are linked to other infections in the body, which can also affect your vision. This complexity is another reason to get additional medical help or a professional opinion from an infectious disease physician.
If you are an immunocompromised individual, you may be at higher risk of issues with your ocular health, so reach out to a specialist if you have any concerns about your eyesight and eye health.
Early detection and treatment are critical to prevent long-term vision loss. We encourage you to seek medical advice if you are experiencing any eye-related symptoms to receive proper treatment and support. Here at IDATB, we offer consultations and expert care for individuals in Florida. IDATB is the leading infectious disease clinic in Tampa, FL, offering expert care for complex infections, including those affecting vision. We have a team of highly skilled specialists dedicated to providing personalized, evidence-based treatment, and we use state-of-the-art diagnostics and a patient-centered approach to ensure the highest quality care to protect and restore your health. Contact us today for more information about our services or to discuss any questions.
