Syphilis is a common STD that is characterised by development of sores and rashes on the while body  |  Photo Credit: iStock Images
Key Highlights
- Safe sex is a pretext to prevent unwanted pregnancies and STDs more importantly.
- Syphilis can affect the eyes as well; and if not diagnosed timely, it can worsen beyond repair.
- Gonorrhea majorly affects other body parts, your vision can be at risk too, therefore, it is best to follow safe sex practices and go through regular check-ups to dodge STD risk.
New Delhi: Pessimism aside, we live in a world where infections are taking a toll on public health. Be it the coronavirus pandemic or the common cold and flu viral infection – people deal with a lot on the health front every passing year. However, when it comes to sexually transmitted infections (STDs), the awareness and scale of education continues to be less with respect to prevention and better management of the condition once affected.
Sex, being a subject that is often discussed in hushed tones, usually circle around safety; safe sex is a pretext to prevent unwanted pregnancies and STDs more importantly. And when it comes to STDs, little does one realise whether or not they are affected until the telltale signs and symptoms are pointed out. And according to experts, some STDs can impact vision. Keep reading.
Can syphilis affect vision?
Syphilis is a common STD that is characterised by the development of sores and rashes on the whole body. As it turns out, it can affect the eyes as well; and if not diagnosed timely, it can worsen beyond repair. Watch out for these conditions in your eyes for hints of syphilis:
- Severe redness
- Inflammation
- Optic nerve disease, which in severe cases, may also end in blindness
Other STDs that can affect eye health
- Herpes
- Chlamydia trachomatis
- Gonorrhoea
If left untreated or undiagnosed for too long, these conditions can result in partial loss of vision or even blindness. Although gonorrhea majorly affects other body parts, your vision can be at risk too, therefore, it is best to follow safe sex practices and go through regular check-ups to dodge STD risk. The symptoms of this STD can take three to five days to appear, sometimes even after a month of being infected. The most common eye-related signs include:
- Sensitivity to light
- Pain around the eyes
- Redness
- Thick discharge – green or yellow coloured
Are there any other ways of dodging STD risk?
As it turns out, there are some simple ways to keep STD risk at bay. These include:
- Use a condom while having sex
- Opt for oral sex barriers to avoid exposure
- Get tested regularly for your risk of STDs
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter.