Trachoma

Chronic infectious conjunctivitis characterized by conjunctival infiltration, formation of follicles, hypertrophy of papillae, follicle scarring, and the formation of a peculiar opacity in the cornea. Trachoma is caused by a microorganism that occupies an intermediate place between viruses and rickettsiae. Microorganisms belonging to this group are called halophilic, and the diseases they cause are called halophilic diseases. The incubation period of trachoma is 8-14 days. The infection is transmitted by the patient’s conjunctival secretions entering the healthy conjunctiva directly or through shared items (pillow, towel, utensils, etc.). Trachoma is a social disease. It is widespread in economically underdeveloped countries and is one of the most common causes of blindness. It was eradicated in Lithuania in the sixth decade of the last century. Trachoma clinic: trachoma usually starts insidiously, and its course is chronic. Patients complain of light sensitivity, tearing, itching, evening eye irritation, morning conjunctival discharge, and difficulty opening the eyes. Sometimes patients do not complain of anything. The most important objective signs of trachoma are conjunctival thickening, follicles, papillary hypertrophy, corneal opacity, and swollen eyes.

Source | Glossary of Most Commonly Used Biomedical Terms and Concepts | Lithuanian University of Health Sciences | Academician Professor Antanas Praškevičius, Professor Laima Ivanovienė