Trachoma is an infectious eye disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Although rare in developed countries, it is a major cause of visual impairment and blindness worldwide.
The infection is spread to the eyes by contact with contaminated hands or by flies. Symptoms include a discharge from the eye and redness of the white of the eye.
Repeated infections can scar the eyelids and make the eyelashes turn inward so that they rub against the cornea, leading to it becoming scarred and eventually resulting in blindness. In the early stages, trachoma can be treated with antibiotics.
If the eyelashes have turned inward, surgery may be needed to stop them rubbing against the cornea.
If the cornea has become scarred, treatment involves corneal transplant surgery.

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