Trachoma is caused by the bacterium Clamidia Trachomatis. With direct contact, Trachoma can be spread through the eye, nose, throat secretions and objects that have had contact with the secretions. If untreated, Trachoma infection will result in a painful form of permanent blindness. The eyelids turn inward, causing the eyelashes to scratch the cornea…very uncomfortable, and again leads to blindness. Children are more susceptible to Trachoma infection however do not feel the effects until adulthood.

How to prevent Trachoma infection:

Trachoma has for the most part been eliminated from much of the developing world in the last century, however, it does persist in parts particularly with inadequate access to water and sanitation. The World Health Organization (WHO) have recommended a SAFE strategy to help control Trachoma which is:

• Surgery to correct the advanced stages of the disease;
• Antibiotics to treat active infection;
• Facial cleanliness to reduce disease transmission;
• Environmental change to increase access to clan water and improved sanitation.

Symptoms:

About 5 to 12 days after being exposed to Trachoma one will experience symptoms similar to “pink eye.” However, other symptoms will definitely arise after which include:

• Eye discharge
• Swollen eyelids
• Turned-in eyelashes
• Corneal scarring
• Eyelid small red bumps
• Dimming vision