TRACHOMA


Trachoma is a serious, persistent eye infection that often causes permanent scarring of the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye. Although rare in developed countries, trachoma is one of the world's main causes of blindness. It affects about 400 million people, of whom about 6 million are blind.
Trachoma is due to the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, which is spread to the eyes by direct contact with contaminated hands or by flies. Trachoma is common in poor parts of the world, particularly in hot, dry countries that have poor sanitation and limited water supplies. Overcrowding encourages the spread of the trachoma infection.
To avoid becoming infected in a high-risk area, you should wash your hands and face regularly and avoid touching your eyes with dirty fingers.

What are the symptoms?

Initially, trachoma causes inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane that covers the white of the eye and lines the eyelids. Later symptoms include:

• Thick discharge from the affected eye that containspus.
• Redness of the white of the eye.
• Gritty sensation in the eye.

Over time, repeated episodes of trachoma can cause scarring on the inside eyelids. The scars may pull the eyelids inward and cause the eyelashes to rub against the delicate cornea. Left untreated, the condition can lead to blindness.

What is the treatment?

In the early stages, trachoma is treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment. If the cornea has become scarred, sight may be restored by an operation called a corneal graft, in which a cornea from a donor is used to replace the scarred one.


Conjunctivitis, Cornealulcer, Trachoma, cataract