How to eliminate trachoma follicles

Written by Tao Yuan
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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Trachoma follicles need to be treated regularly with antibiotic eye drops to kill the Chlamydia trachomatis and eliminate inflammation before they can be resolved.

Trachoma is a common ophthalmic disease caused by neglect of eye hygiene, such as rubbing the eyes with dirty hands, leading to the infection of the conjunctival tissues by Chlamydia trachomatis. The typical symptoms include eye congestion, redness, increased discharge, and a foreign body sensation. By using a slit lamp microscope for magnified observation, the doctor can see numerous follicles and scar formation on the inner surface of the patient's eyelid, as well as vascular pannus formation at the corneal limbus. Treatment involves using eye drops such as levofloxacin hydrochloride, rifampicin, and sulfacetamide sodium to kill the pathogen and thereby alleviate the symptoms.

(Please follow medical advice regarding medication.)

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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 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 Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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Can trachoma wear colored contact lenses?

The eyes themselves already have trachoma, which is one of the contraindications for wearing contact lenses. Therefore, based on the current health condition of the eyes, it is not suitable to fit contact lenses. Since the eyes already have an infectious disease, wearing cosmetic contacts, which contact the cornea, can easily lead to the occurrence of keratitis and worsen the inflammation. It is necessary to visit a professional ophthalmologist for examination and treatment of the trachoma. After the treatment is completed, then consider the issue of fitting contact lenses.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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Can trachoma cause blindness?

Trachoma is a chronic infectious conjunctivitis and keratitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, which can lead to blindness if left untreated. After the acute phase of trachoma is cured, it may leave no scars and not affect vision. However, repeated infections can lead to scarring, and in severe cases, complications may endanger vision. Entropion and trichiasis, where eyelashes constantly rub against the cornea, can cause the cornea to become opaque and form ulcers, leading to blindness. Chlamydia trachomatis can cause epithelial keratitis, and at the ends of corneal vascular pannus, corneal infiltration can occur along with entropion and trichiasis, which in turn exacerbates the damage to the cornea, causing opacification and leading to blindness.

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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.