
What is trachoma?
05 January 2023
Trachoma is a bacterial infection that affects the eyes. It is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Trachoma is contagious and is spread through contact with the eyes, eyelids, and nasal or pharyngeal secretions of infected persons. It can also be transmitted by handling infected objects, such as handkerchiefs.
Trachoma is the leading preventable cause of blindness worldwide. Most cases of trachoma occur in poor areas of Africa, where 85% of people with active disease reside. In areas where trachoma is prevalent, infection rates among children under 5 years of age can be 60% or more.
Early treatment can help prevent complications of trachoma.
Signs and symptoms of trachoma usually affect both eyes and may include:
- Mild itching and irritation of the eyes and eyelids.
- Discharge from the eye with mucus or pus
- Swelling of the eyelids
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Eye pain
- Eye redness
- Loss of vision
Young children are especially susceptible to infection, but the disease progresses slowly, and the most painful symptoms may not appear until adulthood.
An episode of trachoma caused by Chlamydia trachomatis is easily treated with early detection and the use of antibiotics. Repeated or secondary infections can lead to complications, including:
- Scarring of the inner eyelid
- Eyelid deformities, such as in-turned eyelids (entropion) or ingrown eyelashes (trichiasis), which can affect the cornea.
- Scarring or clouding of the cornea.
- Partial or total loss of vision