How Lyme Disease Can Affect the Eyes (2025 Edition)

Spring is a season of renewal and outdoor adventure. As the weather warms and people head out for hikes, gardening, and enjoying nature, it’s also the time when ticks become more active.

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.