Do I Have Trachoma?

Do you live or have you traveled to the poorest and most rural areas of Africa, Central and South America, Asia, Australia and the Middle East?

Do any of your family members have trachoma?

Have you been in close contact with a person who has trachoma or may have shared clothes, bedding or towels with that person?

Do you have mild itching and irritation of the eyes and eyelids?

Do you have an eye discharge containing mucus or pus?

Do you have an eyelid swelling or redness of the eyes?

Do you have increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)?

Do you have an eye pain?

Do you have blurred vision?

Do your lower eyelid and your eyelashes turn in towards your eye, so that your eyelashes rub against your eyeball?

Do you have vision loss?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have trachoma. Trachoma is a medical condition characterized by an infection of the eyes. The infection is caused by the bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis. Trachoma is a contagious disease that can be spread via discharge from the eye and nose of an infected person, as well as using contaminated items such as clothing, handkerchiefs or towels. There are also particular species of flies that can spread the infection. Trachoma develops slowly, but if left untreated, it can cause serious visual impairment and blindness. The blindness caused by trachoma is permanent. Trachoma affects 1.9 million people worldwide.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have trachoma. Trachoma is an eye disease that refers to an infection with the bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis. Trachoma develops within five to twelve days after infection with the bacterium. In the early stages, trachoma causes mild itching and irritation of the eyes and eyelids, as well as discharge from the eye. Over time, eye pain and blurred vision appear. The lid rotates inwards, so that your lashes constantly touch the eyeball. This constant irritation can lead to severe damage to the cornea (clear layer on the front of your eye) and loss of vision.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have trachoma. Trachoma is a bacterial infection of the eyes. It is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, and usually affects both of your eyes. One episode of infection with this bacterium usually does not lead to serious problems. However, repeated infections can cause scars on the eye, and even loss of vision. Trachoma most commonly affects women and children. A diagnosis is based on a physical examination and laboratory analysis of the discharge from the eye. Treatment depends on the stage of the infection and includes antibiotics and surgery.