Trachoma Conjunctivitis Information and Treatment
Trachoma Conjunctivitis is a chronic type of conjunctivitis much prevalent in North India where dry dusty conditions prevail. It is the chief cause of blindness in India. Trachoma Conjunctivitis is an eye infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, which may result in chronic scarring and blindness if left untreated. Trachoma Conjuctivitis may be triggered by a virus, bacteria, an allergic reaction (to dust, pollen, smoke, fumes or chemicals) or, in the case of giant papillary conjunctivitis, a foreign body on the eye, typically a contact lens. Bacterial and viral systemic infections also may induce Trachoma Conjuctivitis. Trachoma is caused by infection with the bacteria Chlamydiatrachomatis. It has an incubation period of 5 to 12 days and begins slowly as conjunctivitis (irritation near the eye, "pink eye"), which if untreated may become chronic and lead to scarring.
Symptoms of Trachoma Conjunctivitis
Here is the list of some of the common sign and symptoms of Trachoma Conjunctivitis :
- conjunctivitis
- discharge from the eye
- swollen eyelids
- turned-in eyelashes
- swelling of lymph nodes just in front of the ears
- cloudy cornea
Clinical Features of Trachoma Conjunctivitis
1 Slow onset from the age of two years or so.
2. Reinfection is a common occurrence.
3. Cornea becomes inflamed. Superficial vascularisation appears.
4. As the inflammation progresses,conjunctivae become scarred which distortsthe eyelids causing them to turn inwards so that the eyelashes constantly rub against the eyeball.
5. A corneal ulcer develops with subsequent corneal scarring and blindness.
Early treatment before the development of scarring and lid deformities has an excellent prognosis.
Trachoma is spread by direct contact with eye, nose, and throat secretions from affected individuals or by contact with objects that may have been in contact with these secretions.
Complications of Trachoma Conjunctivitis
- scarring of the conjunctiva and cornea
- lid deformities
- turned-in eyelashes
- visual loss -- if severe, may result in blindness
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