Trachoma stones are formed how?

Written by Zheng Xin
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 26, 2024
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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.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Warm compress or cold compress for trachoma

Trachoma generally does not recommend hot or cold compresses, as it is caused by a Chlamydia trachomatis infection. For the treatment of trachoma, the main medications used are rifampicin eye drops, ofloxacin eye drops, and an eye ointment such as tobramycin ointment used once at night. Trachoma is somewhat contagious, mainly transmitted through contact; it is not transmitted without contact. Therefore, its contagious nature should be noted. The treatment process for trachoma is relatively slow, and recovery is also slow. It is relatively easy to reduce the symptoms in the eyes, but complete recovery is currently difficult. Therefore, it is important to persist with the medication, generally for about a month.

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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 Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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Trachoma is caused by what?

Trachoma is a type of conjunctival keratitis caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium. It is a chronic infectious disease characterized by a rough and uneven appearance on the surface of the conjunctiva, resembling sand grains, hence its name. In the early stages, the conjunctiva shows infiltration, such as growths of papillae and follicles, along with corneal vascular pannus. In late stages, due to scarring of the affected conjunctiva, entropion and trichiasis can occur, aggravating the damage to the cornea and severely impacting vision or even causing blindness in the patient.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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How is trachoma transmitted?

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.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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What eye drops are used for trachoma?

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.