Trachoma

Trachoma is one of the oldest infectious diseases known to mankind. It is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis – a microorganism which spreads through contact with eye discharge from the infected person (on towels, handkerchiefs, fingers, etc.) and through transmission by eye-seeking flies. After years of repeated infection, the inside of the eyelid may be scarred so severely that the eyelid turns inward and the lashes rub on the eyeball, scarring the cornea (the front of the eye). If untreated, this condition leads to the formation of irreversible corneal opacities and blindness.

It is responsible, at present, for more than 3% of the world’s blindness. Trachoma continues to be hyper endemic in many of the poorest and most remote poor rural areas of Africa, Asia, Central and South America, Australia and the Middle East. The sequels of active trachoma appear in young adulthood and in middle-aged persons. In hyper endemic areas active disease is most common in pre-school children with prevalence rates as high as 60-90%. It often strikes the most vulnerable members of communities-women and children. Adult women are at much greater risk of developing the blinding complication of trachoma than are adult men. This increased risk has been explained by the fact that women generally spend a greater time in close contact with small children, who are the main reservoir of infection.

The development of trachoma is quite slow and there are five stages of this development that are designed by the World Health Organization.

1. Follicular Inflammation – It is the first stage of the trachoma condition in which five or more than five follicles become visible in the inner surface of the upper eyelids.
2. Intense Inflammation – In this second phase of the development of trachoma, the irritation of the eyes beings and the eye becomes highly infectious. The swelling of the upper eyelids also begins in the second phase.
3. Scarring of the eyelids – Due to the infectious eyes the inner eyelids show scars on it. These scars appear like white lines and this will distort the eyelids.
4. Ingrown eyelashes – Due to the scarring of the inner lining of the eyelids, the eyelashes starts turning in and touches the transparent outer surface of the cornea. But only one among 100 affected people shows this painful symptom.
5. Clouding of the cornea – Due to the inflammation of the upper eyelids, the cornea gets affected severally. The ingrown eyelashes lead to clouding of the cornea. This can also result in ulcers on cornea and thus causes partial or complete blindness. 

Prevention and Treatment of Trachoma

Environmental risk factors are water shortage, flies, poor hygiene conditions, and crowded households. A prolonged exposure to infection throughout childhood and young adulthood appears to be necessary to produce the complications seen in later life. A single episode of acute Chlamydia conjunctivitis is not considered sight threatening as there is virtually no risk of prolonged inflammation or blinding complications.

It is easily treatable , all that is required is awareness, hygiene and a good eye checkup.

To BOOK A FREE APPOINTMENT NOW!