Trachoma is an infectious eye disease that begins as a bacterial infection. At first, the infection can be easily treated. But repeated infections will lead to advanced trachoma, which can cause intense pain and lead to blindness.
According to the World Health Organization, more than 103 million people worldwide are at risk of going blind from trachoma, with the highest number of cases worldwide found in Africa, particularly in Ethiopia,Sudan and South Sudan. The disease is more likely to affect people in rural areas, where there is limited access to health care.
Did you know these five things about trachoma? Watch our animation to find out more about the disease.
What causes trachoma?
The disease is caused by the bacteria known as ‘chlamydia trachomatis’. It thrives in places with water shortages, poor sanitation and infestations of flies.
Trachoma spreads through contact with flies that carry the bacteria, or via hands, clothes or bedding that have been in contact with an infected person.
Women are more likely to be affected by trachoma, because their caregiving role means they often have close contact with children with the eye infection. Globally, women are 1.8 times more likely than men to be blinded by the disease.
“When I open and close my eyes, I can see hair scratching them.”
A common sign that a person is suffering from trachoma is eyes that are moist with discharge such as mucus or pus.
Irritated eyes
The eyes and eyelids can start to feel itchy, irritated and swollen, similar to the first symptoms of conjunctivitis.
Redness
The eyes can also look red. If the trachoma infection is not treated early, it can lead to trichiasis, an advanced form of the disease.
What is trichiasis?
Trichiasis is an eye condition caused by repeated trachoma infections, which irritate the eye and cause scar tissue to build up inside the eyelid. The upper eyelids tend to be most affected by trachoma. Trichiasis makes the eyelid tight and pulls the eyelashes inwards, causing them to angle towards the eye, instead of away from it.
The eyelashes then scrape painfully against the eyeball, which eventually causes permanent damage, leading to blindness.
People with trichiasis often say it feels like having sand in their eyes. They may resort to pulling out their eyelashes to ease the pain.
Trichiasis is sometimes called ‘advanced trachoma’, as it can happen after repeated infections.
Treating trachoma and trichiasis
Antibiotics to treat trachoma
Antibiotic tablets are essential for treating the infection. They are provided through community health initiatives and distributed by trained local volunteers. We support governments to deliver this essential medication.
Surgery for trichiasis
Surgery is crucial for people with trichiasis, the advanced stage of trachoma. An operation stops the eyelid turning inwards and prevents the eyelashes from scratching the eyeball, reducing pain and preventing blindness.
Preventing trachoma and treating trichiasis
The World Health Organization’s SAFE strategy aims to stop the spread of trachoma and treat people with the advanced stage of the disease. The acronym describes the four methods used to control the disease.
Surgery: an operation can stop the eyelashes from rubbing against the eyeball and help to prevent blindness or further sight loss.
Antibiotics: giving antibiotics to communities helps to treat the infection and reduce its spread. This can be repeated annually for up to five years or more, depending on the level of infection within a community.
Facial cleanliness: it’s vital to educate communities about the importance of face washing and maintaining good hygiene, which helps to prevent the disease from being passed from person to person.
Environmental improvements: ensuring people have clean water and sanitation reduces their chances of being exposed to the infection, and helps to avoid the conditions that allow flies to breed.
Without action, millions of people face the pain and agony of advanced trachoma. It can limit a child’s independence and access to education, and lead to a cycle of poverty as people are unable to work and provide for their families.
But with your support, our life-changing charity work can reach even more people with medication to prevent the disease from spreading, and provide operations for those at risk of blindness.
