How do you cure trachoma?

Medications. In the early stages of trachoma, treatment with antibiotics alone may be enough to eliminate the infection. Your doctor may prescribe tetracycline eye ointment or oral azithromycin (Zithromax). Azithromycin appears to be more effective than tetracycline, but it’s more expensive.

What causes trachoma infection?

Caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, trachoma is easily spread through direct personal contact, shared towels and cloths, and flies that have come in contact with the eyes or nose of an infected person.

What happens in trachoma disease?

Trachoma is a disease of the eye caused by infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Blindness from trachoma is irreversible. It is a public health problem in 44 countries, and is responsible for the blindness or visual impairment of about 1.9 million people.

How does trachoma cause blindness?

Repeated, untreated infections over years build scarring on the inside of the eyelids and make the eyelashes turn in – a condition known as trichiasis. This scrapes and irritates the cornea, compromises vision and eventually causes blindness.

Who discovered trachoma?

1930s. Chinese medical researcher Dr Tang Feifan identified the bacteria that cause trachoma, enabling it to be treated with antibiotics.

Is trachoma the same as pink eye?

The term conjunctivitis is applied to any form of inflammatory, change affecting the conjunctiva, while trachoma is a variety of conjunctivitis, the full name of which is conjunctivitis trachoma- tosa.

Is India free from trachoma?

On December 08, 2017, Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare released the National Trachoma Survey Report (2014-17)1. He declared that India is now free from ‘infective trachoma’, and termed this as a momentous achievement.

How does trachoma affect the body?

Trachoma is an infectious disease caused by bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis . The infection causes a roughening of the inner surface of the eyelids. This roughening can lead to pain in the eyes, breakdown of the outer surface or cornea of the eyes, and eventual blindness.

How is trachoma treated?

Trachoma treatment options depend on the stage of the disease. In the early stages of trachoma, treatment with antibiotics alone may be enough to eliminate the infection. Your doctor may prescribe tetracycline eye ointment or oral azithromycin (Zithromax).

How common is trachoma?

In many of these communities, women are three times more likely than men to be blinded by the disease, due to their roles as caregivers in the family. [citation needed] Approximately 158 million people are living in areas were trachoma is common. An additional 229 million live where trachoma is could potentially occur.