What is Zika Virus?

Zika virus is an infection primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, though it can also spread through sexual contact. In most healthy adults, the illness is mild and rarely life threatening. The symptoms most commonly reported are:

• fever
• rash
• joint pain
• red eyes (conjunctivitis)

Primary Complication of Concern: Microcephaly

The most serious complications are associated with infection during pregnancy.

Zika virus has been linked to microcephaly, a condition in which a baby is born with an abnormally small head due to incomplete brain development. This congenital condition may lead to long-term neurological and developmental challenges.

Zika’s Impact on the Eyes: Infants at Risk

Clinical research, including findings published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Ophthalmology, has shown that a significant percentage of infants with Zika-associated microcephaly also develop vision-threatening abnormalities. These lesions most commonly affect both retinas.

Evidence suggests that Zika infection during early pregnancy may contribute to congenital ocular lesions, even when maternal symptoms are mild.

Additional studies indicate that the virus may affect the anterior segment of the eye in infants. In contrast, eye complications in adults during acute infection appear to be uncommon. When present, reported conditions have included conjunctivitis, iridocyclitis, and chorioretinitis.

Reducing Risk in Areas with Zika Transmission

There is currently no specific antiviral treatment or widely available vaccine for Zika virus. In areas with active transmission, public health authorities may advise individuals who are pregnant or planning pregnancy to consult with their healthcare providers regarding potential risks.

Pregnant women—particularly during the first two trimesters—are generally advised to avoid travel to regions where Zika transmission has been documented, including:

• tropical regions of Africa
• parts of Southeast Asia
• areas within the Pacific Islands

Preventive measures focus on minimizing mosquito exposure. The most effective strategy is to reduce mosquito bites by using protective clothing and an EPA-registered insect repellent.

The post How Zika Virus Impacts the Eyes and Ocular Health appeared first on Atlantic Medical Eye Care.

Some students thrived in the virtual school environment while many did not. Unfortunately, all parents should be aware that Eye Doctors have discovered that children have emerged from the pandemic with increases in myopia (also known as near-sightedness).

How COVID-19 Contributed to Myopic Children

As children spend more time looking at screens or books, the eye adjusts to see close up. In time, the shape of the eye can actually elongate which leads to myopia.

Additionally, children tend to use more of their distance vision when outside, therefore decreased outdoor time (particularly during the pandemic, when playgrounds were closed and sports participation was limited) contributed to the problem even further.

Eye doctors have also reported more cases of eye strain due to increased use of phones, tablets, and computers. This is an ongoing problem due to current trends.

What Parents Can Do

Parents should take their child(ren) for regular eye exams. Treatment and/or corrective lenses may be necessary to avoid additional strain on young eyes.

If you live in Central NJ, contact our team to set up an appointment for your child(ren). We’re eager to help.

The post Increased Myopia in Children: A Side Effect of COVID and Screen Time appeared first on Atlantic Medical Eye Care.

This increase in outdoor activity and tick exposure leads to a seasonal rise in Lyme disease cases each spring — making it important to stay informed and protected.

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is an inflammatory disease caused by bacteria that are transmitted by ticks. It can affect many different systems in the body causing a myriad of symptoms, including:

• a circular “bullseye” rash (a telltale sign of Lyme disease)
• fever
• headache
• fatigue

Unfortunately, Lyme disease can also affect the eyes.

How Lyme Disease Can Affect the Eyes

In the early stages of Lyme disease, many people have conjunctivitis or pink eye. This causes red, uncomfortable eyes with a discharge of pus.

In later stages of the disease, inflammation of the eye may develop. Symptoms can include:

• red, irritated eyes (conjunctivitis or “pink eye”)
• sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• floaters (spots in front of the eyes)
• eye pain or discomfort

Inflammation of the optic nerve (optic neuritis) can also occur, which results in diminished vision. Inflammation in the brain can also cause loss of vision.

In addition, people with Lyme disease may experience Bell’s palsy, and in turn, may lose their ability to blink or close their eyes. This dries the cornea and can result in an infection or a hole in the cornea, which can put vision at risk.

Diagnosing Lyme Disease

Many of the symptoms of Lyme disease — fever, headache, fatigue, and even pink eye — can resemble those of other common illnesses. This overlap can sometimes make Lyme disease more difficult to recognize and diagnose, especially in its early stages.

What to Do:

If you experience symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, or pink eye — especially after spending time outdoors — it’s important to contact a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing more serious complications from Lyme disease.

Your doctor may recommend testing and, if Lyme is confirmed, begin appropriate antibiotic treatment to help you recover quickly.

The post How Lyme Disease Can Affect the Eyes (2025 Edition) appeared first on Atlantic Medical Eye Care.

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that cannot be explained by any underlying medical condition. The fatigue may worsen with physical or mental activity, and unfortunately, it does not improve with rest.

This definition is consistent for many of those patients who are having trouble clearing COVID-19 months after becoming infected.

Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome — Eye Symptomology

CFS can be difficult to diagnose because, apart from the fatigue, there are few definitive signs of the condition.

However, researchers have begun to investigate the fact that people with CFS consistently experience problems with their eyes. These issues include symptoms such as:

• light sensitivity
• dry, itchy or painful eyes
• difficulty focusing
• eye strain
• vision-related headaches
• slow eye movements
• problems tracking moving objects

Research may help with early CFS diagnosis

In a new research project, the team will test 50 participants who have CFS on a number of parameters. The results will then be compared to information from a control group of 50 participants without CFS.

The researchers believe that if they can isolate the visual problems common to people with CFS, then earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments will follow.

The post Eye Health Can Help Diagnose Chronic Fatigue Syndrome appeared first on Atlantic Medical Eye Care.

Unfortunately, as a result of skipping recommended office visits, serious eye diseases have continued to progress. At Atlantic Medical Eye Care, we are encouraging our patients to return to their regular eye exams to ensure their eyes remain in good health.

The Progression of More Advanced Eye Disease

There are a number of eye diseases that continually advance without proper care. This can greatly diminish a patient’s quality of life.

Glaucoma

Those who suffer from Glaucoma should never miss appointments because this disease needs regular monitoring and care. Furthermore, vision lost from Glaucoma can never be recovered.

AMD and Diabetic Retinopathy

Diseases including Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy also continue to progress when left untreated.

Cataracts

Cataracts can be corrected, but waiting on surgery to remove cataracts can make the procedure more complicated.

Advanced Eye Cancers

Tragically, Ophthalmologists have seen a dramatic increase in advanced eye cancers, such as Ocular Melanomas. There has been a trend toward more people requiring enucleation (surgical removal of the eye). This cancer is treatable if caught early.

Symptoms of Eye Cancer may include:

• blurry vision
• flashing lights
• the inability to see out of one part of the eye

The Bottom Line

We advise patients not to skip appointments or ignore eye or vision changes — even if they are not in pain. Your eye health is too important to compromise.

To set up or reschedule an appointment with us, contact us today.

The post More Advanced Eye Disease Resulting During COVID appeared first on Atlantic Medical Eye Care.