A Review on Understanding the Progression of Trachoma and Its Preventive Measures in the Community

Abstract

Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide, resulting from recurrent infection with ocular strains of chlamydia trachomatis. While once widespread in Europe and the Americas, its significant decline by the end of the 20th century was attributed to improved socioeconomic conditions and hygiene. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable to infection, as they are often the primary caregivers of children, and children are the greatest source of infection with Trachoma. As prevention option to Trachoma, World Health Organization recommends Facial cleanliness (F), Environmental Improvement (E), Antibiotics (A) and Surgery (S), which abbreviated as “SAFE”. The disease causes inflammation and scarring on the surface of the eye resulting in the margin of the eyelid turning inwards. Consequently, the eyelashes become inverted and scratch the cornea. This abrasive action of the lashes damages the cornea and is termed trachomatous trichiasis, the complex stage of the disease. Novel diagnostic tests such as confocal microscopy are supplementing current diagnostic criteria; mass treatment strategies are proposing effective methods for antibiotic distribution, and studies exploring the external benefits of trachoma control programs show promising effects on lowering trachoma cases in the community. Surgery is recommended for patients with trachoma to prevent the eyelashes from rubbing against the eyeball and causing corneal damage. Understanding nature of infection and preventive measures can assist to promote safe preventive strategies in the community.