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  • Can scleritis be caused by Lyme disease?


    Question:

    Can scleritis (inflammation of the white of the eye, which can cause swelling, pain, and light sensitivity) be caused by Lyme disease (a bacterial infection spread to humans through ticks) in a child? Can an ophthalmologist see it in the eye or is it diagnosed by the redness and pain? My 7-year-old grandson has Lyme disease, has red eyes and his eyesight is changing rapidly.


    Answer:

    This is a very complex issue. The causes of scleritis are widespread and often hard to identify. Lyme disease can cause almost any type of inflammation in the body, including scleritis. Scleritis can vary from mild irritation to a significant inflammation with a specific cause and treatment. An evaluation by an ophthalmologist is necessary.


    Answered By:

    Diseases Infections