Does trachoma need treatment?

Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 15, 2024
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Trachoma is a chronic infectious conjunctivitis that can lead to blindness, so once diagnosed with trachoma, it is essential to undergo both systemic and local drug treatment. Systemic treatment includes the acute phase, where severe trachoma requires systemic use of antibiotics, generally for three to four weeks. Local treatment involves the application of rifampin, penicillin, and other eye drops, and erythromycin eye ointment, etc., for at least ten to twelve weeks. If complications such as entropion, trichiasis, ptosis, symblepharon, or chronic dacryocystitis occur, surgical correction is necessary.

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How to treat trachoma stage 2?

Trachoma stage two requires treatment with antibiotic eye drops to kill the Chlamydia infecting the conjunctival tissue, thus alleviating symptoms. Commonly used eye drops include rifampicin, sodium sulfacetamide, and levofloxacin hydrochloride. Trachoma is a common eye disease caused by poor eye hygiene, such as rubbing the eyes with dirty hands, sharing personal hygiene items like basins and towels with others, or using unclean water to wash the face. It is imperative to treat the infection with medication as quickly as possible and to develop good eye hygiene habits to prevent the condition from worsening or spreading to family and friends. If trachoma is not treated promptly, it could lead to complications such as entropion, dry eye syndrome, and corneal vascularization. (Please follow medical advice regarding medication.)

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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What eye drops are used for trachoma?

Once diagnosed with trachoma, not only is it necessary to use local eye drops, but also systemic treatment is required. Commonly used local eye drops for trachoma include 0.1% rifampin eye drops, 0.5% penicillin eye drops, yellow safety eye drops, tetracycline eye ointment, erythromycin eye ointment, sulfa eye ointment, and the treatment course needs at least ten to twelve weeks. In the acute phase or severe cases of trachoma, systemic antibiotic treatment is also needed, generally for three to four weeks. Adults take oral tetracycline, while it is contraindicated for pregnant women, nursing women, and children under seven years old, who may alternatively use erythromycin. Note: Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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Can trachoma cause blindness?

Trachoma is a chronic infectious conjunctivitis and keratitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, which can lead to blindness if left untreated. After the acute phase of trachoma is cured, it may leave no scars and not affect vision. However, repeated infections can lead to scarring, and in severe cases, complications may endanger vision. Entropion and trichiasis, where eyelashes constantly rub against the cornea, can cause the cornea to become opaque and form ulcers, leading to blindness. Chlamydia trachomatis can cause epithelial keratitis, and at the ends of corneal vascular pannus, corneal infiltration can occur along with entropion and trichiasis, which in turn exacerbates the damage to the cornea, causing opacification and leading to blindness.

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Warm compress or cold compress for trachoma

Trachoma generally does not recommend hot or cold compresses, as it is caused by a Chlamydia trachomatis infection. For the treatment of trachoma, the main medications used are rifampicin eye drops, ofloxacin eye drops, and an eye ointment such as tobramycin ointment used once at night. Trachoma is somewhat contagious, mainly transmitted through contact; it is not transmitted without contact. Therefore, its contagious nature should be noted. The treatment process for trachoma is relatively slow, and recovery is also slow. It is relatively easy to reduce the symptoms in the eyes, but complete recovery is currently difficult. Therefore, it is important to persist with the medication, generally for about a month.

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Trachoma is what type of infectious disease

Trachoma is classified as a Class C infectious disease by national regulations. Trachoma generally manifests as red eyes, swollen eyes, eye pain, increased secretions, and a foreign body sensation, sometimes affecting vision. The conjunctiva in trachoma shows significant proliferative follicles, or pavement stone-like changes. The transmission of trachoma is mainly through contact. Additionally, it is categorized as a Type C infectious disease, with infectious diseases classified into three major categories: Type A, Type B, and Type C. After contracting trachoma, it is crucial to actively treat it with eye drops and to pay attention to eye hygiene.