Neisseria gonorrhoeae can cause conjunctivitis that can result in blindness if untreated.

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Gonococcal conjunctivitis is an acute, rapidly progressing infection of the eye caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It often presents with a profuse purulent discharge and redness, and it can quickly involve the cornea. If treatment is delayed or inadequate, the bacteria can invade corneal tissue, causing keratitis, ulcers, and even perforation, which can result in vision loss. This risk applies to both newborns—who can acquire the infection during birth—and adults who contract the organism or autoinoculate from a genital infection. So the statement is true: this organism can cause conjunctivitis that can lead to blindness if untreated. It’s not limited to neonates, and it certainly does cause conjunctivitis.