TRACHOMA INFECTION

SYMPTOMS

Trachoma symptoms and signs often involve both eyes and may include the following:

• Redness of the eyes
• Vision loss
• Mucus or pus-containing eye discharge 
• Eye pain
• Swelling of the eyelids
• Sensitivity to light
• Irritation and itchiness of the eyes and eyelids

Scarring of the inner lining of the eyelid occurs as the illness advances. The lashes curl inward and scrape the cornea. Trichiasis is the medical term for this illness. If trichiasis is untreated, the cornea becomes cloudy. This may result in corneal ulcers.

DIAGNOSIS

Most forms of conjunctivitis may be diagnosed with an eye exam by your ophthalmologist. If you went to a place where trachoma is frequent, he or she may collect a sample (culture). To do this, your physician will numb your eye and swab its surface. The testing procedure will verify whether the trachoma caused the eye infection.

An eye exam will indicate the following in more severe forms of trachoma:

• eyelashes drawn inward
• scarring on the upper eyelid’s interior
• new blood vessel development in the cornea

TREATMENT

Trachoma treatment methods vary according to the stage of the illness.

Medications

In the early stages of trachoma, medications alone may be sufficient to eradicate the infection. Your physician may recommend that you take the following medications:

• Tetracycline Eye Ointment or Azithromycin Oral (Zithromax)
• Azithromycin

Surgery

Later stages of trachoma, involving painful eyelid abnormalities, may need surgery.

• Corneal transplantation: If your cornea has gotten cloudy to the point that it is substantially impairing your eyesight, this may be a viable alternative.
• Eyelid rotation surgery (Bilamellar Tarsal Rotation): Your physician will make an incision in your scarred lid to pull your eyelashes away from your cornea.

In certain situations, you may undergo eyelash removal surgery (epilation). This process may have to be repeated.