Chlamydia pneumonia has been “associated” with premature cataracts, cataracts, iritis, uveitis, glaucoma, macular degeneration and retinal disease. Chronic chlamydia pneumonia may cause cataracts in infants infected in utero. Chlamydia pneumonia causes endothelial dysfunction, in the cornea and structures of the eye; and can cause some corneal thinning diseases, by impairing the function of the corneal endothelial pump.

In the eye, chlamydia pneumonia attacks the endothelium inside blood vessels, just as in cardiovascular disease, causing reduced blood flow to the macula and macular degeneration. New fragile blood vessels form on the retina, when chlamydia stimulates angiogenesis and the body tries to restore blood flow to the macula. Cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s are common co-morbid conditions in patients with macular degeneration, which can also be caused by chlamydia pneumonia.