How is trachoma transmitted?

Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 03, 2024
00:00
00:00

Trachoma is somewhat contagious. When it is confirmed as trachoma, the eyelids and the conjunctiva of the eyes will carry the bacterium due to Chlamydia infection. When patients touch their eyes with their hands, their fingers or palms are already carrying the bacteria, including Chlamydia. Therefore, when they come into contact with others, cross-infection can occur. Prevention of trachoma primarily involves avoiding contact infection, improving environmental hygiene, enhancing the sanitary management of service industries such as hotels, swimming pools, and barber shops, and developing good hygiene habits, including avoiding rubbing the eyes with hands.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Tao Yuan
Ophthalmology
58sec home-news-image

How to treat trachoma stage 2?

Trachoma stage two requires treatment with antibiotic eye drops to kill the Chlamydia infecting the conjunctival tissue, thus alleviating symptoms. Commonly used eye drops include rifampicin, sodium sulfacetamide, and levofloxacin hydrochloride. Trachoma is a common eye disease caused by poor eye hygiene, such as rubbing the eyes with dirty hands, sharing personal hygiene items like basins and towels with others, or using unclean water to wash the face. It is imperative to treat the infection with medication as quickly as possible and to develop good eye hygiene habits to prevent the condition from worsening or spreading to family and friends. If trachoma is not treated promptly, it could lead to complications such as entropion, dry eye syndrome, and corneal vascularization. (Please follow medical advice regarding medication.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
48sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
48sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zheng Xin
Ophthalmology
34sec home-news-image

Trachoma stones are formed how?

Trachoma calculus is mainly caused by infection with Chlamydia trachomatis resulting in calculus formation. It is not actually a stone or calculus in the true sense, but rather a coagulum accumulated in the depressions or crypts of the conjunctival epithelium, consisting of desquamated epithelial cells and degenerative cells. Thus, it's not a real calculus, and is commonly seen in adults, primarily occurring in patients with chronic eye diseases such as trachoma and chronic conjunctivitis.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Li Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
50sec home-news-image

The positivity for Chlamydia trachomatis is caused by what reason?

Chlamydia trachomatis is the main source of infection causing trachoma. There are many reasons that can lead to a positive test for Chlamydia trachomatis, mainly the following three points. These are poor hand hygiene of the patient, improper cleaning of the eyes, and infection by Chlamydia trachomatis in public areas. In fact, the primary reason is still the individual's failure to maintain proper hygiene practices. When symptoms of trachoma appear, it is necessary to seek medical attention promptly. Once diagnosed as positive for Chlamydia trachomatis, one should pay more attention to rest and eye hygiene. It is essential to maintain good hygiene habits regularly, and it is best to engage in some physical exercise, which can help strengthen the body's immune system.