Understanding Trachoma

Trachoma is a highly contagious disease of the eye that can lead to impaired vision or blindness. Although uncommon in the United States, trachoma affects millions of people annually in rural, developing countries. If trachoma is treated with antibiotics at early onset, irreparable damage can be avoided.

Trachoma is a bacterial infection of the eye caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, which is spread through direct contact with the eyes, nose or mouth by an infected source, such as the hands or washcloths. Trachoma is highly contagious and often infects entire families living in close quarters. Flies that have come into contact with discharge from the eyes or nose of an infected individual can also transmit trachoma.

Trachoma is one of the oldest recorded infectious diseases, with references dating back to the time of the ancient Egyptians. The disease is most commonly present in areas of poor hygiene and crowded living quarters. While the symptoms of trachoma can be present at an early age, the direst effects may not be noticeable until adulthood.

Children are highly susceptible to trachoma infection. In its early stages, the disease manifests as irritation and swelling to the eyelid or Chlamydia conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye.

If the infection is not treated, the irritation can lead to scarring behind the eyelid that can injure the cornea and lead to blindness.

Additional symptoms include:

If left untreated, trachoma can lead to blindness due to scarring behind the eyelids and excessive scratching of the cornea.

Diagnosing trachoma involves both a physical eye exam and laboratory testing to detect the presence of the bacteria. During the eye exam, the doctor will inspect the eye for cysts, swelling, turned in eyelashes or blood vessel growth into the cornea. Samples will be taken of any discharge and tears to properly diagnose the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis.

Trachoma is a curable disease. If detected at early onset, antibiotics such as erythromycin and doxycycline can remove the bacteria. If the disease has reached an advanced stage, trachoma surgery may be required to remove scar tissue behind the eyelid to prevent further damage to the cornea.

The World Health Organization recommends the SAFE strategy for combating the spread of trachoma in afflicted communities:

Raising the level of hygiene in afflicted communities is a key part of the strategy. Regular face washing and not sharing towels and washcloths help reduce the chances of acquiring and transmitting the disease.

Approximately eight million people worldwide have impaired vision as a result of trachoma. An additional 84 million suffer from an active infection. The disease is most common in the poorest regions of Africa, Asia and South America.

The Edna McConnell Clark Foundation in conjunction with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals established the International Trachoma Initiative (ITI) in 1998 to help fight the spread of trachoma worldwide. The ITI works together with national ministries of health to identify afflicted areas and implement the SAFE strategy campaign. Through the SAFE strategy, the ITI hopes to eliminate trachoma as the leading cause of worldwide blindness by the year 2020.