eye disorders
Trachoma
Key Points
Trachoma is a chronic, exacerbating, and remitting chlamydial conjunctivitis that is common among children ages 3 through 6 in certain resource-limited areas worldwide. Manifestations develop in stages and include conjunctivitis, formation of tarsal follicles, thickening and scarring of tarsal conjunctiva, trichiasis, and corneal neovascularization and scarring. About 7% of patients develop decreased vision or blindness; trachoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide. Diagnosis is usually clinical, but standard methods to detect chlamydia can be done when available. Treatment is with topical or systemic antibiotics. For endemic areas, the World Health Organization also advocates corrective surgery, mass administration of antibiotics, emphasizing facial cleanliness, and environmental interventions to reduce transmission. 