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Trachoma
Granular conjunctivitis; Egyptian ophthalmia; Conjunctivitis - granular
Trachoma is a bacterial infection of the eye.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Trachoma is caused by infection with the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis.
The condition occurs worldwide, mostly in rural settings in developing countries. It
frequently affects children, although the effects of scarring may not be seen until later in
life. While trachoma is rare in the United States, certain populations marked by poverty,
crowded living conditions, or poor hygiene are at higher risk for this illness.
Trachoma is spread through direct contact with infected eye, nose, or throat secretions or
by contact with contaminated objects, such as towels or clothes. Certain flies can also
spread the bacteria.
Globally, 41 million people suffer from active infection and nearly 8 million people are
visually impaired as a result of this disease. Globally this disease results in considerable
disability.
Symptoms
Symptoms begin 5 to 12 days after being exposed to the bacteria. The condition begins
slowly as inflammation of the tissue lining the eyelids (conjunctivitis, or "pink eye"), which
if untreated may lead to scarring.
Symptoms may include:
 Cloudy cornea
 Discharge from the eye
 Swelling of lymph nodes just in front of the ears
 Swollen eyelids
 Turned-in eyelashes
Signs and tests
An eye exam may reveal scarring on the inside of the upper eye lid, redness of the white
part of the eyes, and new blood vessel growth into the cornea.
Laboratory tests are needed to accurately identify and detect the bacteria and diagnose
trachoma.
Treatment
Antibiotics can prevent long-term complications if used early in the infection. Antibiotics
include erythromycin and doxycycline. In certain cases, eyelid surgery may be needed to
prevent long-term scarring, which can lead to blindness if not corrected.
Expectations (prognosis)
Early treatment before the development of scarring and lid deformities has an excellent
prognosis.
Complications
If the eyelids are severely irritated, the eyelashes may turn in and rub against the cornea.
This can cause eye ulcers, additional scars, vision loss, and possibly, blindness.
Prevention
Improved sanitation and not sharing items such as towels are important measures for
limiting the spread of trachoma.
Resources:
Trachoma(July 28, 2010). Retrieved July8,2011 from
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002456/
Trachoma(June 16,2011).Wikipedia.The Free Encyclopedia. Retreived July 9,2011
fromhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trachoma
Trachoma.Mayo Staff.(July17,2010)Retrieved July 9,2011
fromhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/trachoma/DS00776
The World’s Leading Cause of Preventable Blindness(n.d.)Retreived (July
9,2011)fromhttp://www.trachoma.org/
Vorvick, MD Linda J, Lusby, MD, Franklin W (June 22,2011).Retrieved July 9,2011from
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001486.htm