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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Trachoma has several treatment methods.

Trachoma is a chronic infectious conjunctival and corneal inflammation caused by Chlamydia trachomatis infection and is one of the leading causes of blindness. Around three hundred to six hundred million people worldwide are infected with trachoma. Treatment includes systemic and local ocular medication, as well as treatment for complications. Local treatments include 0.1% rifampicin eye drops, 0.1% tetrahydropalmatine eye drops, or 0.5% neomycin eye drops. Erythromycin or tetracycline eye ointments are used at night, with a treatment duration of at least ten to twelve weeks. Acute or severe cases of trachoma should be treated with systemic antibiotics. Surgical correction of trichiasis and entropion is crucial to prevent late-stage trachoma scarring that leads to blindness.

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Written by Tao Yuan
Ophthalmology
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Trachoma papillary hyperplasia refers to the growth of papillary formations on the conjunctiva due to trachoma.

Trachoma papillary hyperplasia refers to the appearance of a large number of conjunctival papillae on the inner surface of the eyelid in patients with trachoma, which is one of the typical manifestations of inflammation. Trachoma is a common eye disease, caused by Chlamydia infection of the conjunctival tissue, and is greatly related to the patient's lack of eye hygiene and rubbing the eyes with dirty hands. Patients with trachoma may experience eye congestion, redness, the presence of follicles and papillary hyperplasia, as well as the formation of scar tissue on the inner surface of the eyelid. Timely treatment is necessary, otherwise the condition may gradually worsen, potentially leading to complications such as upper eyelid ptosis, entropion, and tear duct obstruction. For treatment, eye drops such as Rifampicin, Sodium Sulfacetamide, and Levofloxacin can be used to eliminate the infection.

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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
55sec home-news-image

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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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.