Trachoma, << truh KOH muh, >> is a contagious eye disease caused by a form of Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. Trachoma is relatively rare in the United States because of treatment with antibiotics or sulfonamides. But in Egypt, India, Saudi Arabia, and other developing countries in warm parts of the world, trachoma is still a major cause of blindness. It affects the conjunctiva (membrane of the eyeball and lids) and cornea, the window of the eye (see Eye (Parts of the eye) ). Symptoms of conjunctivitis develop and the disease may last for years (see Conjunctivitis ).
Doctors must report cases of trachoma because the disease spreads easily. People in contagious areas should not use public towels, or rub their eyes with unwashed hands. The disease also is thought to be spread by flies. Severe cases of trachoma may require an operation to repair deformed eyelids or to replace damaged corneal tissue.
