Trachoma

Ophthalmology

Overview

Definition

Chronic conjunctivitis leading to blindness.

Epidemiology

Varies globally depending on genetics, environment, or exposure.

Etiology & Risk Factors

  • Chlamydia trachomatis (serovars A-C).

Clinical Symptoms

  • Follicular conjunctivitis
  • corneal scarring
  • inward turning of eyelashes (trichiasis).

Clinical Approach

Diagnosis

  • Clinical
  • conjunctival swabbing.

Management

  • Azithromycin (SAFE strategy: Surgery
  • Antibiotics
  • Facial cleanliness
  • Environmental improvement).

Complications

  • Leading infectious cause of irreversible blindness globally.