eye disorders
Trachoma
Introduction
Trachoma is a prolonged infection of the Overview of Conjunctival and Scleral Disorders caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatiscan infect the eye, usually in children who live in lesser-developed, hot, dry countries. Eye redness, watering, irritation, and if severe, scarring and loss of vision may develop. Antibiotics are effective, but re-infection is common. Trachoma results from infections with certain nonsexually transmitted strains ofChlamydia trachomatis. Trachoma is common in dry, hot countries in North Africa, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, Australia, and Southeast Asia. In the United States, trachoma is rare, occurring occasionally among American Indians and among immigrants from areas where trachoma is common. Trachoma is the leading preventable cause of blindness in the world. The disease occurs mainly in children, particularly those between the ages of 3 and 6. Older children and adults are much less likely to have the disorder because of increased immunity and better personal hygiene. Trachoma is contagious in its early stages and may be transmitted by eye–hand contact, by flies, or by sharing contaminated articles, such as towels, handkerchiefs, and eye makeup. 