An optician has shared four lesser-known symptoms of meningitis that can appear in the eye. According to the expert, these could be “overlooked”.

An optician has highlighted four often-overlooked signs of meningitis that can manifest in the eyes, urging awareness of these subtle indicators.

Meningitis, an infection that targets the protective membranes enveloping the brain and spinal cord (known as the meninges), can strike anyone, though it is most prevalent among infants, young children, teenagers, and young adults.

If not treated promptly, meningitis can escalate into a severe health crisis, potentially causing life-threatening sepsis and inflicting lasting damage to the brain or nervous system.

Recently, health authorities in the UK have identified a meningitis outbreak in Kent. As of 5 PM on March 17, there are nine confirmed laboratory cases, with an additional 11 cases under investigation by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), totaling 20 cases.

The UKHSA has also reported that one person who had lived in Kent presented to a London hospital with the illness.

Symptoms

With this in mind, an expert shared some of the warning signs to look for. Krina Halai, dispensing optician at Feel Good Contacts, said: “When meningitis is discussed, people often focus on the more widely-known symptoms, such as a rash or a stiff neck.

The UKHSA has also disclosed that a person who had resided in Kent was admitted to a hospital in London with the disease.

She explained that some symptoms can affect the eyes. These include:

• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Difficulty concentrating
• Eye strain

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This advice is supported by Meningitis Now, which warned that visual problems caused by meningitis can be permanent. On its website, it said: “The optic nerve carries visual signals to the brain.

“Meningitis can cause damage to this nerve resulting in loss of vision and changes in visual perception. Some people experience temporary visual changes after meningitis.

“These can be caused by increased pressure on the optic nerve. Once the pressure reduces vision and visual perception may return to normal.

“If the optic nerve is damaged, any visual changes or sight loss are likely to be permanent.”

Sensitivity to light

Krina added that one symptom that people may not immediately connect with meningitis is sensitivity to light, also known as photophobia. This can make artificial lighting or daylight feel uncomfortable or painful to look at.

“This happens because meningitis causes inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord,” she said. “This irritation can affect the nerves connected to the eyes, leading to the eyes to register the sensation of light as pain. Other symptoms of photophobia include excessive squinting, eye discomfort or difficulty focusing, and severe headaches.”

NHS advice

According to the NHS website, symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include:

• A high temperature (fever)
• Being sick
• A headache
• A rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)
• A stiff neck
• A dislike of bright lights
• Drowsiness or unresponsiveness
• Seizures (fits)

The NHS warns: “These symptoms can appear in any order. You do not always get all the symptoms.”

When to get medical help

You should call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E “immediately” if you think you or someone you look after could have meningitis or sepsis. The NHS says: “Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops. Someone with meningitis or sepsis can get a lot worse very quickly.

“Call NHS 111 for advice if you’re not sure if it’s anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis. If you’ve had medical advice and are still worried or any symptoms get worse, get medical help again.”