Trachoma (patient information)

Trachoma
Overview
What are the symptoms?
What are the causes?
Diagnosis
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Trachoma?
Prevention
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Possible Complications
Trachoma On the Web
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
Images of Trachoma
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FDA on Trachoma
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Trachoma in the news
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Directions to Hospitals Treating Trachoma
Risk calculators and risk factors for Trachoma

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Trachoma is a bacterial infection of the eye.

What are the symptoms of Trachoma?

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

What causes Trachoma?

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.

Where to find medical care for Trachoma?

Directions to Hospitals Treating Trachoma