May is the perfect time for forest walks and grassy strolls, but don’t forget about the season’s biggest threat—ticks. Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted through the bites of infected ticks, can affect not only the joints, skin, and nervous system but also the eyes.

🔍 Major eye manifestations of Lyme disease:

1. Conjunctivitis

• May appear in the early stages of the disease. It usually resolves on its own but can sometimes be accompanied by other Lyme symptoms.

2. Uveitis (inflammation of the eye’s vascular layer)

• Can be anterior (iritis), posterior (chorioretinitis), or panuveitis. Causes redness, pain, light sensitivity, and vision impairment.

3. Optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve)

• May lead to decreased visual acuity, pain when moving the eyes, and impaired color perception.

4. Facial nerve paralysis (peripheral paresis)

• Can cause incomplete eyelid closure, leading to dryness, irritation, and a risk of keratitis.

5. Scleritis/Episcleritis

• Inflammation of the outer layers of the eye, causing pain, redness, and discomfort.

6. Choroiditis and Retinitis

• Inflammation of the retina and choroid, potentially leading to vision loss.

⚠️ When should you be concerned?

If, after a tick bite (even if you're unsure whether it was infected), you experience:

🔹 eye redness

🔹 light sensitivity

🔹 vision getting worse

🔹 "floaters" or blurred vision

🔹 facial muscle paralysis

These are strong reasons to seek medical attention immediately, especially if a migratory erythema (a characteristic ring-shaped rash) appears on the skin.

💡 Important:

Early treatment (usually with antibiotics) significantly increases the chances of full recovery.

An ophthalmologist can play a crucial role in diagnosing late-stage Lyme disease.

Protect yourself and your loved ones—don’t forget about tick prevention! 🧢👖🧴