Learn About Trachoma
Trachoma is an infection of the eye caused by bacteria called chlamydia.
Granular conjunctivitis; Egyptian ophthalmia; Conjunctivitis - granular; Conjunctivitis - chlamydia
Trachoma is caused by infection with the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis.
The condition occurs around the world. It is most often seen in rural areas of developing countries. Children are often affected. However, the scarring caused by the infection may not be noticed until later in life. The condition is rare in the United States. However, it is more likely to occur in crowded or unclean living conditions.
The bacteria that cause trachoma are spread through direct contact with infected eye, nose, or throat fluids. They can also be passed by contact with contaminated objects, such as towels or clothes. Certain flies can also spread the bacteria.
Symptoms begin 5 to 12 days after being exposed to the bacteria. The condition begins slowly. It first appears as inflammation of the tissue lining the eyelids (conjunctivitis, or "pink eye"). Untreated, this may lead to scarring.
Symptoms may include:
- Cloudy cornea
- Discharge from the eye
- Swelling of lymph nodes just in front of the ears
- Swollen eyelids
- Turned-in eyelashes
Antibiotics can prevent long-term complications if used early in the infection. In certain cases, eyelid surgery may be needed to prevent long-term scarring, which can lead to blindness if not corrected.
Proliance Surgeons Bellevue Ear, Nose & Throat And Sound Hearing
Roger S. Zundel, MD, practices general and pediatric otolaryngology, endocrine surgery, head and neck cancer, and otology. He believes listening to his patients is the key to earning their trust. He understands that ensuring a patient feels cared for is as important as his medical expertise. He is an active member of Overlake Hospital's staff and has served on multiple hospital committees.Outside of work, Dr. Zundel enjoys skiing, hiking and spending time with his wife and three daughters. He is learning Spanish and classical guitar. Dr. Zundel is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Trachoma. His top areas of expertise are Trachoma, Laryngitis, Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), and Infant Hearing Loss.
Proliance Surgeons Bellevue Ear, Nose & Throat And Sound Hearing
Thomas A. Knipe, MD, is a board-certified surgeon specializing in the medical and surgical treatment of adult and pediatric disorders of the head and neck. While practicing all aspects of otolaryngology, he has a special interest in sinus, sleep and breathing disorders and tumors of the head and neck. He is trained in advanced surgery of the sinuses and skull base to bring his patients safe and proven treatments for complex tumors of the skull base and more common sinus and breathing limitations alike. He treats patients with benign and malignant tumors of the head and neck including thyroid, parathyroid and salivary glands and is trained in salivary gland-saving endoscopic techniques to remove salivary stones. In his practice, he takes great care to educate his patients and apply his medical expertise to partner with and guide each one through important medical decisions.He is committed to serving the world’s poor and underserved through medical and surgical mission work. He travels overseas to perform surgical repair for children and adults with cleft lip and palate, thyroid disease and benign and malignant disorders of the head and neck.A native of the Seattle area, Dr. Knipe takes the Northwest’s healthy and active lifestyle to heart. He is an avid runner and works hard to keep up with his wife and two daughters. He also enjoys hiking, fishing and competing in ultimate Frisbee. Dr. Knipe is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Trachoma. His top areas of expertise are Laryngitis, Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), Trachoma, Perichondritis, and Tissue Biopsy.
Anthony Solomon practices in Geneve, Switzerland. Mr. Solomon is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Trachoma. His top areas of expertise are Trachoma, Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye), Yaws, and Chlamydia.
Outcomes are very good if treatment is started early before scarring and changes to the eyelids develop.
If the eyelids become very irritated, the eyelashes may turn in and rub against the cornea. This can cause corneal ulcers, additional scars, vision loss, and possibly, blindness.
Contact your provider if you or your child recently visited an area where trachoma is common and you notice symptoms of conjunctivitis.
Spread of the infection can be limited by washing your hands and face often, keeping clothes clean, and not sharing items such as towels.
Summary: The investigators propose a cluster-randomized clinical trial to determine whether an intensive, targeted azithromycin distribution strategy is effective for elimination of trachoma at the kebele level compared to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of annual azithromycin distribution.
Published Date: July 09, 2024
Published By: Audrey Tai, DO, MS, Athena Eye Care, Mission Viejo, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Batteiger BE, Tan M. Chlamydia trachomatis (trachoma and urogenital infections). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 180.
Hammerschlag MR. Chlamydia trachomatis. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 272.
Rubenstein JB, Kelly E. Infectious conjunctivitis. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 4.6.