This document discusses trachoma, a chronic follicular conjunctivitis that can lead to blindness if left untreated. It is primarily caused by Chlamydia bacteria and is spread through contact with infected eye or nasal secretions or flies. Symptoms include mild irritation, tearing, and scant discharge. Diagnosis involves examining the eyes and testing conjunctival cells. Management consists of administering topical antibiotics, improving hygiene like face washing, controlling flies, and potentially surgery to rotate eyelids if scarring has occurred.

1. Mr. Manikandan.T,
RN., RM., M.Sc(N)., D.C.A .,(Ph.D)
Assistant Professor,
Dept. of Medical Surgical Nursing,
VMCON, Puducherry.

2. DEFINITION
• Bilateral chronic follicular conjunctivitis of
childhood that leads to blindness during
adulthood if left untreated.
• Primarily affecting superficial epithelium of
conjunctiva and cornea

3. Causes
• Chlamydia
• Climate – dry and dusty weather
• Exposure to dust

4. Symptoms
• Mild foreign body sensation
• Occasional lacrimation
• Scanty mucoid discharge
• Eyelid scaring

5. Diagnosis
• H.C
• P/E
• Conjunctival cytology
• ELISA

6. Management
• Topical antibiotic – tetracycline / erythromycin
• Face washing and hand-washing
• Controlling flies
• Proper waste management
• eyelid rotation surgery (bilamellar tarsal rotation), your doctor
makes an incision in your scarred lid and rotates your
eyelashes away from your cornea