Gourt > Health > Conditions and Diseases > Eye Disorders > Trachoma
Trachoma (Ancient Greek: "rough eye") is a highly contagious eye disease which may result in blindness. It is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis and it is spread by direct contact with eye, nose, and throat secretions from affected individuals, or contact with objects, such as towels and/or washcloths, that have had similar contact with these secretions. The bacteria has an incubation period of 5 to 12 days, after which the affected individual experiences symptoms of conjunctivitis, or irritation similar to "pink eye."
Further symptoms include:
- Eye discharge
- Swollen eyelids
- Turned-in eyelashes
- Swelling of lymph nodes in front of the ears
- Corneal scarring
If not treated properly with oral antibiotics, the symptoms may escalate and cause blindness, which is the result of ulceration and consequent scarring of the cornea. Surgery may also be necessary to fix eyelid deformities.
More on [ Trachoma ]
International Trachoma Initiative (ITI) - Includes information on trachoma, prevention, treatment, initiative and programs. Founded by Pfizer Inc and The Edna McConnell Clark Foundation.
Meta Description: [ Founded in 1998 by the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation and Pfizer Inc, the International Trachoma Initiative is dedicated to the elimination of blinding trachoma, the world's leading cause of preventable blindness. Through implementation of the SAFE strategy, ITI ensures that surgical services ar... ]
DBMD - Trachoma - Factsheet on the disease with cause, incidence, and symptoms.
Helen Keller International Trachoma Program - Includes disease information, programs, resources, and news. In English and French.
Meta Description: [ A blog directory that matters. EatonWeb measures the best blogs and lists them first in the directory. ]
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Trachoma - Features cause, symptoms, diagnosis, risk factors, prognosis, complications, prevention, and treatment.
Trachoma - Brief, technical clinical definition. Leading cause of blindness worldwide, and afflicts over 400 million people; preventable with adequate diet, proper sanitation, and education.
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WHO Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma - Elimination of blinding trachoma from the globe by the year 2020.
| Insidermedicine in 60 - February 19, 2008 | |
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