A71: Trachoma

Trachoma is an infectious disease that primarily affects the eyes. It is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Spread often occurs through close personal contact, shared towels or cloths, and flies that have come into contact with the eyes or nose of an infected person. Common symptoms include irritation in the eyes, pain, swelling of the eyelids, and potentially blurring or loss of vision as the disease progresses. Trachoma often begins as an inflammation of the tissue lining the eyelids (conjunctivitis), or "pink eye." Through repeated infections or if left unchecked, trachoma can cause the eyelid to turn inward, leading to the eyelashes rubbing against the eyeball, a condition known as trichiasis. This can lead to the scarring of the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye, and eventual blindness. Children are particularly susceptible to this condition, though blindness may not set in till later in life.