Imagine waking up to a world without colours, the vibrant hues of a sunset or the vivid beauty of a blooming flower. This heart-wrenching reality is faced by millions around the world affected by trachoma, an infectious disease that can cause irreversible blindness. It starts with watery eyes and advances to the state where the eyelid permanently turns inward. Trachoma is responsible for the blindness or visual impairment in around 1.9 million people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
We spoke to Dr Ajay Sharma, Chief Medical Director, EyeQ, who explained trachoma and how it can cause irreversible blindness.
What Is Trachoma
Trachoma is a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) brought on by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis and is one of the main causes of blindness around the globe. Dr Sharma said that it is infectious and spreads rapidly through close contact, making it difficult to contain in areas where resources are scarce and hygiene is compromised. It is frequently linked to poor sanitation, crowded housing, insufficient access to water, and poor hygiene. It can spread through contact with respiratory discharges, contaminated hands, or flies from an infected individual.
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Symptoms Of Trachoma
Dr Sharma listed the symptoms of trachoma that one should be aware of. Trachoma typically progresses through distinct stages if left untreated.
- The initial stage involves conjunctivitis, characterised by redness and itching of the eyes, accompanied by a watery discharge.
- As the disease progresses, repeated episodes of infection lead to scarring of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the front of the eye.
- The eyelashes may turn inwards, resulting in trichiasis, where the eyelashes scrape against the cornea, causing intense pain, corneal abrasion, and eventually vision loss.
- In the advanced stages, the scarring can lead to entropion, where the eyelid permanently turns inward, exacerbating the damage to the cornea and leading to irreversible blindness.
How To Treat Trachoma
Dr Sharma said that preventing trachoma involves implementing a comprehensive strategy known as the SAFE approach. This approach helps reduce the bacterial load and prevent the progression of the disease. Implementing the SAFE approach, along with improved hygiene practices, and community engagement, is crucial in preventing and eliminating trachoma.
S: Trachoma surgery for late complications
A: Antibiotics to treat infections
F: Cleanliness of the face
E: The enhancement of the environment, including better access to water and sanitary facilities to lower the transmission.
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Importance of Education and Awareness
Educating communities about the causes and consequences of trachoma is essential to foster behavioural changes and encourage early treatment-seeking behaviours. Raising awareness about the disease helps individuals recognise its symptoms and understand the importance of practising a good hygiene. Community-led initiatives, involving local leaders, healthcare workers, and educators, can play a crucial role in disseminating information and engaging community members in efforts to eliminate trachoma.
Bottomline
Trachoma is still a public health problem in 41 countries, according to the WHO, with around 125 million individuals at risk of trachoma blindness as of June 2022. Therefore, there is a need to understand and recognise this eye illness to avoid the risk of such complications.
Disclaimer
This article contains information shared by the expert, however, we recommend you to consult with your expert if you notice any symptoms of this infectious eye illness.