Trachoma is one of the complications caused by chlamydia, a silent STD, which gives rise to a type of chronic conjunctivitis, which lasts for more than the usual 5 to 7 days.
This eye infection is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia Trachomatis , which is quite contagious, especially in its early stages. The person with chlamydia in the penis or vagina may accidentally pass the bacteria to the eyes through the hands.
Learn to recognize the symptoms of chlamydia and how it is treated.
What symptoms
Symptoms begin to manifest between 5 to 12 days after the bacteria's eye contact and are usually:
- Red eyes, swollen eyelids and pus; inflamed eyes; itchy eyes.
These symptoms are similar to conjunctivitis, but that lasts for much longer with the production of secretion followed by the formation of scars in the conjunctiva and in the cornea causing the lashes to turn inwards, which makes the disease even more painful and can hurt the eyes, causing inflammation that can lead to permanent impairment of vision.
The diagnosis of trachoma can be made by the ophthalmologist by observing the symptoms presented and is confirmed by examining the secretion produced by the eye or scraping the affected cornea.
How the treatment is done
Treatment involves applying antibiotic ointments for 4 to 6 weeks, or even taking oral antibiotics such as doxycycline, which is also used to treat other infections by the same bacterium Chlamydia Trachomatis .
Applying sterile compresses to your eyes soaked in saline is a more pleasant way to keep your eyes clean and free of bacteria, and then throw away those that are used.
To treat the consequence of recurrent infections, which is the inversion of the eyelashes into the eyes, surgery can be resorted to, which corrects by reversing the direction of birth of the eyelashes up and out of the eye again. Another alternative to solve the problem is the use of laser that burns the hair root preventing new growth.
How prevention is done
Trachoma is an infection caused by a bacterium, so maintaining hygiene is the most effective strategy for preventing trachoma. Thus, it is recommended to always have your hands and eyes clean with clean water and soap and not to touch your eyes even if they appear to be washed, because it is not possible to observe microorganisms with the naked eye.
