OPHTHALMIC EDUCATION (14) TRACHOMA [Archives:2000/42/Health]

What is Trachoma?
Trachoma is an infection of the eye. Trachoma affects 500 Million people around the world and it is one of the most widespread eye diseases. It is one of the most common causes of blindness in the third world country.

How is trachoma spread?
Trachoma is mainly spread between children. It is more commonly spread in areas with low hygiene level and dirty areas and in places were people share towels. Also it can spread by using same eye makeup.
Crowded communities, children and absence of clean water help in spreading trachoma and flies transmit it.

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms occur after a week from infection with trachoma.
The main symptoms are:
Redness of the eye
Watery eye
Sensitivity to light
Mucus discharge
If the above symptoms appear please contact your eye doctor immediately to decrease the complications to your eyes.

What are the complications of trachoma?
Trachoma has four stages ranging from mild infection to blindness. The main complication affects the cornea (the outer coat of the eye) leading to infection and opacity of the cornea. Dryness of the eye and lid abnormalities can also occur.

How is the diagnosis made?
The eye doctor will examine your eyes using special microscope and sometimes may take a sample to conform the diagnosis. The earlier the diagnosis is made the better chance the disease will be controlled.

What is the treatment?
Trachoma can cause blindness and it has to be treated completely to prevent it is serious complications. Your eye doctor will give you an eye ointment or drops and sometimes oral antibiotics. In advanced cases surgery can be done to the lids of the eye.

General instructions to protect your eyes from TRACHOMA:
Dont rub your eyes because that makes your eye susceptible for infection.
Dont clean your eye with used towels or head covers. Use clean tissues.
If your gets red; dont treat it yourself using drops but visit your eye doctor.
Dont wash your eyes using dirty water.
Trachoma is a blinding disease and it can be prevented by using basic cleaning and hygeine.

Routine eye exam by an eye specialist is very important.
It is your sight and your eyes need every care they deserve.

Mahfouth A Bamashmus FRCSEd, FRCOphth
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Ibn Al-Haitham Clinic
University of Science & Technology, Sana`a

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