Trachoma is caused by infection with the bacteria Chlamydiatrachomatis. It has an incubation period of 5 to 12 days and begins slowly as conjunctivitis (irritation near the eye, "pink eye"), which if untreated may become chronic and lead to scarring.

If the eyelids are severely irritated, the eyelashes may turn in and rub against the cornea. This can cause eye ulcers, further scarring, visual loss, and even blindness.

Trachoma occurs worldwide -- primarily in rural settings in developing countries. It frequently affects children, although the consequences of scarring may not be evident until later in life. While trachoma is rare in the United States, certain populations marked by poverty, crowded living conditions, and/or poor hygiene are at higher risk for this illness.

Trachoma is acquired via direct contact with eye or nose-throat secretions from affected individuals or by contact with inanimate objects which are contaminated with these secretions, such as towels or clothes. In addition, certain flies which have fed on these secretions can transmit trachoma.

• conjunctivitis
• discharge from the eye
• swollen eyelids
• turned-in eyelashes
• swelling of lymph nodes just in front of the ears
• cloudy cornea

Trachoma is definitely diagnosed by detection of the organism or antigen in conjunctival scrapings or by isolation of the bacteria in culture.

• scarring of the conjunctiva and cornea
• lid deformities
• turned-in eyelashes
• visual loss -- if severe, may result in blindness

Trachoma is spread by direct contact with eye, nose, and throat secretions from affected individuals or by contact with objects that may have been in contact with these secretions.

Improved sanitation and avoidance in the use of common toilet articles (e.g., towels) are important measures that will limit the spread/acquisition of trachoma.