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
David Santos, MD, is board certified by both the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.He prides himself in keeping up to date with cutting edge treatments and applying state-of-the-art techniques and technologies. He is committed to excellence in facelift surgical technique, rejuvenation, and artistry, as well as creating an environment where the best medical care and facial rejuvenation possible is achieved for each individual. Dr. Santos is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Trachoma. His top areas of expertise are Swimmer's Ear, Labyrinthitis, Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), and Infant Hearing Loss.
Proliance Surgeons
Peter F. Maurice, MD, is a highly specialized otolaryngologist, and fellowship-trained in plastic surgery. He is double board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology.Dr. Maurice received his medical degree from Georgetown University, in Washington, DC, where he was elected to membership in the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He completed his residency in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery at Georgetown University Hospital.Dr. Maurice then was selected for a fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. This full-year training program gave him a unique opportunity to study with one of the AAFPRS's master surgeons in Albuquerque, New Mexico.At South Seattle Otolaryngology, patients benefit from a team of on-site audiologists and allergy specialists, in addition to a team of otolaryngologists with over 50 years of combined experience. Dr. Maurice is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Trachoma. His top areas of expertise are Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), Nasal Septal Hematoma, Low Nasal Bridge, and Sinusitis.
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.