Trachoma

Alternative names:

Egyptian ophthalmia; granular conjunctivitis

Definition:

An infectious disease of the eye which, if untreated, leads to blindness.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Trachoma is caused by infection with the organism Chlamydia trachomatis. It has an incubation period of 5 to 7 days and begins slowly as a mild conjunctivitis that develops into a fulminant (sudden and severe onset) infection producing large amounts of discharge, and swollen eyelids. The initial stage lasts several weeks and then is followed by a chronic stage in which the lids remain very swollen, the cornea becomes eroded, scarred, and vascularized. The lids develop contractures and may turn outward, pulling away form the eye. Secondary bacterial infections may cause blindness.