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Review
. 2025 Jan;42(1):58-61.
doi: 10.12788/fp.0547. Epub 2025 Jan 15.

Diagnostic Testing for Patients With Suspected Ocular Manifestations of Lyme Disease

Morgan L Thomsen  1   2 , Fatima M Raposo  1   2 , Paul B Greenberg  1   3 , Robert H Janigian  1   3 , Melissa M Gaitanis  1 , Amanda M Hunter  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Diagnostic Testing for Patients With Suspected Ocular Manifestations of Lyme Disease

Morgan L Thomsen et al. Fed Pract. 2025 Jan.

Abstract

Background: Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex transmitted by the Ixodes tick genus. There is uncertainty regarding proper diagnostic testing for suspected cases. Ocular manifestations have been documented in all stages of Lyme disease, but are more prevalent in early disseminated disease.

Observations: This review article provides guidelines for the appropriate diagnostic testing to obtain when encountering ocular manifestations of suspected Lyme disease.

Conclusions: To ensure timely diagnosis and treatment, eye care clinicians should be familiar with the appropriate diagnostic testing for patients suspected to have ocular manifestations of Lyme disease. If testing confirms Lyme disease, refer the patient to an infectious disease specialist for antimicrobial treatment and additional management.

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Conflict of interest statement

Author disclosures: The authors report no actual or potential conflicts of interest or outside sources of funding with regard to this article.

Figures

FIGURE
FIGURE
Lyme Serology Testing, Abbreviations: EIA, enzyme immunoassay; EM, erythema migrans; LD, Lyme disease.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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