What eye drops are used for trachoma?

Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 12, 2024
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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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Does trachoma need treatment?

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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Written by Li Li Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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The positivity for Chlamydia trachomatis is caused by what reason?

Chlamydia trachomatis is the main source of infection causing trachoma. There are many reasons that can lead to a positive test for Chlamydia trachomatis, mainly the following three points. These are poor hand hygiene of the patient, improper cleaning of the eyes, and infection by Chlamydia trachomatis in public areas. In fact, the primary reason is still the individual's failure to maintain proper hygiene practices. When symptoms of trachoma appear, it is necessary to seek medical attention promptly. Once diagnosed as positive for Chlamydia trachomatis, one should pay more attention to rest and eye hygiene. It is essential to maintain good hygiene habits regularly, and it is best to engage in some physical exercise, which can help strengthen the body's immune system.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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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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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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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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Trachoma is caused by what?

Trachoma is a type of conjunctival keratitis caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium. It is a chronic infectious disease characterized by a rough and uneven appearance on the surface of the conjunctiva, resembling sand grains, hence its name. In the early stages, the conjunctiva shows infiltration, such as growths of papillae and follicles, along with corneal vascular pannus. In late stages, due to scarring of the affected conjunctiva, entropion and trichiasis can occur, aggravating the damage to the cornea and severely impacting vision or even causing blindness in the patient.