Trachoma is a serious eye infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis that can lead to blindness. It spreads through contact with infected eye or nasal secretions or contaminated objects. Symptoms include cloudy corneas, eye discharge and swollen eyelids appearing 5-12 days after infection. Treatment involves antibiotics to prevent long-term complications and surgery to address scarring. Trachoma disproportionately affects children in rural areas of developing nations and is very rare in the United States.

1. Tracoma
A look into the disease
By Taiylor Nunn

2. Basic Definition
Tachoma is a serious infection of the eye
cause by the bacteria Chlamydiae
trachomitis. If left untreated it can lead to
blindness and severe scarring of the
eyelids.

3. Symptoms
 Cloudy Cornea
 Discharge from Eye
 Swelling of the Lymph Nodes in Front of the
Ears
 Swollen Eyelids
 Turned in Eyelids
Symptoms take 5-12 days to appear after
infection

4. Causes
 Contact with contaminated eyes, nose or
throat secretions
 Direct contact with contaminated objects
such as towels
 Facial contact with certain species of
flies

5. Prevention and Treatment
Prevention
 Proper Sanitation
 Avoiding Sharing Objects that Come in
Contact with the Face and/or Eyes
 Keep Flies Away From the Face
Treatment
 Antibiotics to Prevent Long Term
Complications
 Surgery to Prevent or Fix Scars

6. Risk Factors and Incidence
Most Commonly Infected: Children
Most Affected Area Globally: Rural Areas
in Developing Nations
Extremely Rare in United States

7. History
 Dates back to 1900 BC
 Described by Egyptians
Discussed and/or Researched by:
 Isa, an 11th Century Arab Physician
 Ancient Greek Physicians

8. In Conclusion…
Trachoma is a very serious disease but it
is yet to have a true cure. Millions of
people around the world are blind
because of Trachoma and nothing exists
to fix their vision. Although Trachoma is
not fatal it is still a serious problem that
needs equally serious attention.