Chlamydia species and H-pylori have been linked to ocular surface disorders, glaucoma, and retinal disease. Chlamydia trachoma is the leading cause of blindness in the world. Chlamydia psittacosis can cause MALT lymphoma in the eye, Waldenstrom syndrome, and ocular melanoma. Toxoplasmosis has been linked to retinal disease and blinding. Many eye diseases are described as “itis”, meaning inflammation in a specific part of the eye, without understanding pathogens are capable of causing the inflammation and the disease or syndrome (more on “itis” syndromes in the eye, in future posts).
Cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s are common co-morbid conditions in patients with eye disease in the vessels of the eye, such as macular degeneration and strokes in the eye.
Stomach disorders are a common co-morbid condition in eye diseases and retinal disease; and the NIH reports more than 80 intestinal pathogens and parasites can migrate from the stomach to the eye. Co-morbid conditions can have a common cause, and be a clue to the cause of eye diseases.
Ophthalmology patients with eye diseases should be tested for immortal pathogens; and/or care coordinated with doctors able to diagnose and treat immortal pathogens and co-morbid conditions.
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