Strep throat, a common bacterial infection, primarily affects the throat and tonsils. Many wonder if this infection can extend to the eyes. While direct spread from the throat to the eyes is not typical, eye-related symptoms or complications can emerge during or after a strep throat infection. Understanding these connections helps clarify concerns about ocular health.
Understanding the Direct Connection
Streptococcus pyogenes, the bacterium responsible for strep throat, does not commonly cause direct eye infections. However, if this bacterium, or other Streptococcus species, reaches the eyes through contaminated hands or surfaces, it can lead to bacterial conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye. Less frequently, Streptococcus can also cause more severe eye infections like keratitis, which affects the cornea, or endophthalmitis, an infection inside the eyeball. These more severe infections are rare and often associated with trauma or surgery.
Common Eye Symptoms During Illness
Even without a direct bacterial infection of the eye, a person experiencing strep throat may notice various eye symptoms. These are often non-specific signs of general illness, fever, or inflammation affecting the body. Individuals might experience watery eyes, increased light sensitivity (photophobia), or a gritty sensation. Swelling or puffiness around the eyes can also occur, often due to fluid retention or fatigue associated with fighting off an infection. Such symptoms typically resolve as the underlying illness improves, and they do not necessarily indicate a direct strep infection of the eye itself.
Rare but Serious Complications
Though uncommon, strep throat can lead to serious eye-related issues through indirect systemic complications. One such condition is post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN), a kidney inflammation that can develop weeks after a strep infection. PSGN often manifests with swelling, particularly around the eyes and face, alongside other symptoms like dark urine.
Another rare but severe complication is orbital cellulitis, an infection of surrounding eye tissues. While often stemming from sinus infections, Streptococcus species can contribute to this condition, potentially leading to eye pain, swelling, and vision changes, requiring urgent medical attention. Extremely rare instances of untreated strep throat have also been linked to post-streptococcal uveitis, an inflammation inside the eye.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical advice for eye symptoms during or after a strep throat infection if certain warning signs appear. These include sudden changes in vision, severe or persistent eye pain, pus-like discharge from the eye, or significant swelling around the eye that worsens or persists. Other concerning indicators are bulging of the eye or any eye symptoms accompanied by a high fever or severe headache. Prompt consultation with a doctor or ophthalmologist can help determine the cause and ensure appropriate treatment to prevent potential long-term complications.