What eye drops are used for trachoma?

Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 12, 2024
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Once diagnosed with trachoma, not only is it necessary to use local eye drops, but also systemic treatment is required. Commonly used local eye drops for trachoma include 0.1% rifampin eye drops, 0.5% penicillin eye drops, yellow safety eye drops, tetracycline eye ointment, erythromycin eye ointment, sulfa eye ointment, and the treatment course needs at least ten to twelve weeks. In the acute phase or severe cases of trachoma, systemic antibiotic treatment is also needed, generally for three to four weeks. Adults take oral tetracycline, while it is contraindicated for pregnant women, nursing women, and children under seven years old, who may alternatively use erythromycin. Note: Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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Common complications of trachoma

Trachoma is a chronic infectious conjunctival keratitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. It is named trachoma because it forms a rough, uneven appearance on the surface of the conjunctiva, resembling sand grains. The complications of trachoma mainly include common conditions such as entropion, trichiasis, trachomatous corneal ulcers, ptosis, trachomatous dry eye, tear duct obstruction, chronic dacryocystitis, symblepharon, and corneal opacity, among others.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Trachoma is what type of infectious disease

Trachoma is classified as a Class C infectious disease by national regulations. Trachoma generally manifests as red eyes, swollen eyes, eye pain, increased secretions, and a foreign body sensation, sometimes affecting vision. The conjunctiva in trachoma shows significant proliferative follicles, or pavement stone-like changes. The transmission of trachoma is mainly through contact. Additionally, it is categorized as a Type C infectious disease, with infectious diseases classified into three major categories: Type A, Type B, and Type C. After contracting trachoma, it is crucial to actively treat it with eye drops and to pay attention to eye hygiene.

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Written by Wang Fang
Ophthalmology
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What does "syphilis negative" mean?

A negative test for trachoma means that the individual does not have the disease. Trachoma is a chronic infectious disease of the conjunctiva of the eye surface, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis infection. The acute phase of trachoma can manifest as redness, swelling, tearing, increased discharge, and a foreign body sensation in the eyes. If not well-controlled, trachoma can become chronic over time. Due to damage to the corneal epithelium from trachoma, prolonged duration can lead to decreased vision and even blindness. Treatment of trachoma mainly involves the local and systemic use of antibiotics. Local medications primarily include 0.1% rifampicin, 0.5% tetracycline, and sulfonamide eye drops, while systemic medications may include oral doxycycline and other tetracyclines. The treatment course for trachoma is relatively long, generally requiring medication for at least six weeks or more. (Please follow medical advice from a doctor for specific medications.)

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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The difference between trachoma and stye

Trachoma is a chlamydial infection, while a stye is an infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Trachoma manifests as the formation of trachoma follicles, hyperplasia, and inflammation on the inner surfaces of the eyelid and conjunctiva, with symptoms including redness, swelling, pain in the eyes, neovascularization of the cornea, and vascular pannus. A stye presents with redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the eyelid, mainly caused by inflammation. In terms of treatment, trachoma mainly uses rifampin eye drops; styes are treated with levofloxacin eye drops, and erythromycin or tobramycin ointment at night, with no hot compresses applied. Typically, a stye can heal within about a week, whereas trachoma requires a longer treatment period, and it is important to rest and undergo regular check-ups. (The use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a physician)

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The difference between trachoma and conjunctival concretions.

Trachoma is caused by Chlamydia infection, while eye concretions are generally caused by chronic inflammation leading to lipid accumulation. When the eyelids show symptoms of trachoma, proliferative follicles and proliferative tissues in the eyelids form cobblestone changes. The concretions are white and located subconjunctivally, generally deep enough not to affect the eyes, but if superficial, they protrude into the palpebral conjunctiva and can cause certain wear to the eyes. Symptoms such as a foreign body sensation, burning sensation, and increased secretions can result from both trachoma and eye concretions. For treatment, eye drops are used for trachoma, and the eye concretions are removed under topical anesthesia, which alleviates the symptoms.