Trachoma

Trachoma (inclusion conjunctivitis) is a bacterial eye infection caused by chlamydia trachomatis. Trachoma occurs especially under conditions of poverty, overcrowding, or poor sanitation and is often complicated by other eye infections of bacterial origin. When it is untreated, trachoma can result in irreversible blindness. Even though the bacteria commonly infect the genital area, it causes swelling and itching in the eye through direct or indirect contact. Trachoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide.

How does one contract inclusion conjunctivitis?

Transmission of the trachoma germ occurs by personal contact with fluid from the infected eye or indirectly by common use of a towel. It may also be spread by flies that come into contact with eye or nose discharge from an infected person.

How does a chlamydia eye infection look like?

Symptoms of a chlamydial eye infection include: redness in eyes, irritation, swollen eyelids, mucous discharge, tearing, photophobia (pain in the eye when exposed to light), swollen lymph nodes around eyes. The conjunctiva is a smooth membrane that lines and protects the eye. Following infection with C. trachomatis, the conjunctiva becomes thick, and deformation may result. Extension of inflammation to the cornea occurs in varying degrees; resultant scarring can lead to corneal opacity and blindness.

Newborns can contract a chlamydial eye infection, as the bacteria can pass to the child from the vaginal canal during delivery. Research shows 30 to 50 percent of infants whose mother has a chlamydial infection will contract neonatal conjunctivitis. The best way to prevent passing a chlamydial eye infection to your newborn is to ensure you’ve been treated for chlamydia prior to giving birth.

Can chlamydial eye infections be treated?

Chlamydial eye infections are treatable through antibiotics, particularly oral azithromycin and tetracycline eye ointment. Early detection is important because the condition may worsen over time. Treatment is generally effective within a few weeks, but it is possible to experience the condition again even if you have been treated for it in the past.  

Surgery may be used to treat the later stages of disease, including trachomatous trichiasis, which is characterized by the turning in of the eyelashes to the degree that they touch the eye and scar the cornea. Scarring and clouding of the cornea may be treated by corneal transplantation. Trachoma can be prevented by routine handwashing and washing of the face, proper sanitation and waste disposal, control of fly populations, and access to clean water.