Trachoma is an eye infection caused by bacteria (Chlamydia trachomatis) that spreads through dirty hands, cloths and eye-seeking flies, especially among children in poor, dry areas with little water. Repeated infections over years scar the inside of the eyelid, which turns the eyelashes inward so they scratch the eye. Without treatment this can cause blindness. It is preventable and treatable.
Symptoms
Red, itchy or irritated eyes
Discharge from the eyes and swollen eyelids
Sensitivity to light
In later stages, eyelashes turning inward and rubbing the eye (trichiasis)
Pain with every blink and a cloudy cornea
Gradual loss of vision
Causes
Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria
Spread by hands, shared towels or cloths and flies
Lack of clean water for face washing
Crowded homes and poor sanitation
Repeated infections in childhood lead to scarring in adults, especially women
Prevention
Wash children's faces with clean water and soap every day
Each person uses their own towel
Use latrines and dispose of rubbish and animal dung away from the house to reduce flies
Keep water containers covered and clean
Take part in community mass antibiotic campaigns when offered
Treatment
Antibiotics (a single dose of tablets or an eye ointment) given by health services
Whole communities may be treated at once to stop spread
Surgery on the eyelid to turn in-growing eyelashes outward and prevent blindness
Face washing and clean surroundings to prevent re-infection
Do not pull out in-turned eyelashes repeatedly as the only treatment; see an eye health worker
Common questions
Is trachoma surgery safe?
Yes. It is a short operation under local anaesthetic that turns the eyelashes away from the eye. It stops pain and helps prevent blindness.
Why is face washing so important?
Eye discharge on a child's face attracts flies and spreads the bacteria to other children. Washing faces every day breaks this chain.
