Trachoma

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Trachoma

Systemic therapy with oral antibiotics can prevent long-term complications if used early in the infection. Active antibiotics include erythromycin and its derivatives, or doxycycline. In certain cases, eyelid surgery for lid deformities may be needed to prevent chronic scarring which can lead to blindness if not corrected.

Early treatment before the development of scarring and lid deformities has an excellent prognosis.

• scarring of the conjunctiva and cornea
• lid deformities
• turned-in eyelashes
• visual loss -- if severe, may result in blindness

Call your health care provider if you or your child recently visited an area of the world where trachoma is common and there are symptoms of conjunctivitis.

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