Trachoma is a disease of the eye that is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. This is a condition that can cause visual impairment and even blindness when it is not treated. The blindness that is caused by trachoma is not reversible, so seeking treatment for this condition in the early stages is key. This condition is also quite contagious, so you need to be sure that you do not pass your infection on to those around you while you are actively having an outbreak.
The signs and symptoms of this condition can impact both eyes or only one. The symptoms of trachoma are:
Young children are the most susceptible to infection, but they might not experience symptoms until they go through adolescence and become adults. This condition progresses slowly and might only show mild symptoms for years.
There are five stages of trachoma:
Trachoma is caused by certain types of chlamydia trachomatis. This is a bacteria that can also be sexually transmitted. This bacteria spreads through contact with the discharge from the eyes, nose, and throat of an infected person. Hands, clothing items, food, and other shared possessions can cause accidental transmission of the bacteria to other people.
The risk factors for trachoma are:
Diagnosis is made through a physical exam. A sample of the bacteria from the eyes will usually be sent to the lab for testing. Lab tests might not be available where you live, but the symptoms are often quite recognizable and can be enough for an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment is done with the stage of the disease in mind. Cases that are treated in the early stages can usually be managed with antibiotics. Eye ointments can be used to help treat the infection in the eye itself and protect the eye from damage.
If you are in the later stages of this disease, you might need surgery to correct the deformities of your eyelids. It is key to correct the issue of inward-turning eyelashes so that you do not end up with damage to your corneas that cannot be corrected. For those who have corneas that are damaged enough to impair their vision, a corneal transplant might be the only option.
Prevention of this disease requires proper face washing and hand washing every day. Controlling flies in the home and making sure to remove waste from the home properly. If you can secure fresh water to use for bathing and drinking, this is also key. Make sure that you do not spend a lot of time with anyone else in the home if you think that you might have trachoma. You will be highly contagious until you have been treated.