Vision Problems Caused by Lyme Disease

Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses can cause vision problems that linger even after medical treatment. Tick-borne illnesses can cause a range of vision problems, including:

  • Blurry vision: The world seems out of focus, like you need new glasses.
  • Eye strain: Your eyes get tired easily, especially when reading or using screens.
  • Double vision: You see two images of one object.
  • Light sensitivity: Bright lights feel uncomfortable or even painful.
  • Trouble focusing: You lose your place while reading or have difficulty following moving objects.

But wait, there’s more! Lyme disease can also mess with your brain in ways that affect your vision, like:

  • Balance problems: You feel unsteady on your feet.
  • Trouble judging distances: It’s hard to tell how far away things are.
  • Memory and focus issues: You have trouble remembering things or concentrating.
  • Feeling overwhelmed: Busy environments with lots of movement can be confusing.
  • Sensitivity to sound: Loud noises feel extra bothersome.

If you’ve been bitten by a tick and experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent lasting vision problems.

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Dr Padula is a subject matter expert on the impact of Lyme Disease and Vision. In this video he presents to Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association

Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses can cause vision problems that linger even after medical treatment. This is especially true for children, whose developing brains are particularly vulnerable.

Here’s why:

  • Vision problems trick the brain: When your vision is blurry or out of focus, your brain tries to “fix” it by creating habits that may not be healthy in the long run.
  • Treatment isn’t always enough: Antibiotics may clear the infection, but your vision system might still need help to function normally.

What can be done?

There are specialized vision therapies that can help retrain your brain to process visual information correctly. These therapies can include:

  • Special lenses: Glasses or contacts that improve focus and reduce strain.
  • Prisms: Lenses that help your brain align the two images seen by each eye (important for double vision).
  • Neuro-Visual Postural Therapy (NVPT): A specialized program to retrain the brain-eye connection.

Early intervention is key! The sooner you address vision problems caused by tick-borne disease, the less likely they are to interfere with your child’s development and learning.

If you’ve been bitten by a tick and your child experiences any vision problems, contact the Padula Institute of Vision about a comprehensive visual evaluation.

Lear More About Dr. William V. Padula, OD, SFNAP, FAAO, FNORA

headshot of dr william padulaWilliam V. Padula, O.D., is a graduate of Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University of Health Sciences. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association International (NORA), and the National Academy of Practice.

Dr. Padula completed a fellowship at the Gesell Institute where he was also Director of Vision Research. He was the founding Chairman of the Low Vision Section for the American Optometric Association, and the founding President of NORA. Dr. Padula was appointed the National Consultant in Low Vision Services for the American Foundation for the Blind. He has also served as Consultant to the Committee on Vision for the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. Recently he has served as a consultant to the Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. He is the Past Chairperson of the National Academy of Practice in Optometry, and is the Treasurer of the National Academy of Practice (NAP).

Dr. Padula founded the first low vision clinic at the Zhongshan Eye Research Hospital in Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China, which was named in his honor. He lectures and consults internationally in China, India, Italy, Mexico, etc., with programs regarding children’s vision related to learning and development, and adult vision problems related to stroke, TBI and other physical challenges.

Dr. Padula has authored numerous publications including three books:

  • A Behavioral Vision Approach for Persons With Physical Disabilities
  • Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation
  • Neuro-Visual Processing Rehabilitation: An Interdisciplinary Approach

and he is the primary author of a chapter on vision in Brain Injury Medicine. He has developed three award winning educational videotapes about vision and Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation for persons with neurological challenges. He also holds five U.S. patents for instruments related to vision.

Dr. Padula is on staff at both the Hospital for Special Care and Gaylord Hospital in Connecticut, and he has a private practice in Guilford, Connecticut. He was honored to be chosen Connecticut Optometrist of the Year in 2009 by his colleagues in the Connecticut Association of Optometrists.