What are the symptoms and how to treat Trachoma

Trachoma is one of the complications caused by chlamydia, a silent STD, which gives rise to a type of chronic conjunctivitis, which lasts for more than the usual 5 to 7 days.

This eye infection is caused by bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis, which is quite contagious, especially in its early stages. A person with chlamydia on the penis or vagina can accidentally pass the bacteria into their eyes through their hands.

Know how to recognize the symptoms of chlamydia and how it is treated.

What are the symptoms

Symptoms begin to appear between 5 and 12 days after the bacteria comes into contact with the eyes and are generally:

• Red eyes,
• Swollen and pus-filled eyelids;
• Inflammation of the eyes;
• Itchy eyes.

These symptoms are similar to conjunctivitis, but it lasts for much longer with the production of secretion followed by the formation of scars on the conjunctiva and cornea, causing the eyelashes to turn inwards, which makes the disease even more painful and can cause injury. the eyes, causing inflammation that can lead to permanent vision impairment.

The diagnosis of trachoma can be made by an ophthalmologist by observing the symptoms presented and is confirmed by examining the secretion produced by the eye or scraping the affected cornea.

How the treatment is carried out

Treatment involves applying antibiotic ointments for 4 to 6 weeks, or even taking oral antibiotics such as doxycycline, which is also used to treat other infections caused by the same bacteria. Chlamydia trachomatis.

Applying sterile compresses to your eyes soaked in saline is a more pleasant way of keeping your eyes clean and free of bacteria, and then throw away any used ones.

To treat the consequence of recurrent infections, which is the inversion of the eyelashes towards the inside of the eye, surgery can be used, which is corrected by reversing the direction in which the eyelashes grow upwards and outside the eye. Another alternative to solve the problem is the use of a laser that burns the hair root, preventing new growth.

How prevention is carried out

Trachoma is an infection caused by bacteria, so maintaining hygiene is the most efficient strategy for preventing trachoma. Therefore, it is recommended to always have your hands and eyes clean with clean water and soap and not to touch your eyes even if they appear to be washed, as it is not possible to observe microorganisms with the naked eye.