Trachoma

Causes and Risks:
Trachoma is caused by infection with the organism Chlamydia trachomatis. It has an incubation period of 5 to 7 days and begins slowly as a mild conjunctivitis that develops into a fulminant (sudden and severe onset) infection producing large amounts of discharge, and swollen eyelids. The initial stage lasts several weeks and then is followed by a chronic stage in which the lids remain very swollen, the cornea becomes eroded, scarred, and vascularized. The lids develop contractures and may turn outward, pulling away form the eye. Secondary bacterial infections may cause blindness .

Prevention:
Trachoma is spread only by direct contact from person to person. Areas of the world with overcrowding and poor sanitation have a higher incidence of trachoma. Improved sanitation and education about the disease will decrease its spread and incidence.

Symptoms:



Signs and Tests:



Treatment:
Many antibiotics can treat trachoma. Oral erythromycin remains the drug of choice and may be combined with topical antibiotics to the eye.

Prognosis:
Early treatment should result in full recovery.

Complications:



Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if you have been in an area of the world that is endemic for trachoma and have developed a recent conjunctivitis .


This is an illustration of a cross-section and frontal view of the eye.