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What is trachoma?

Trachoma is one of the most common causes of blindness in the developing world. It is linked to extreme poverty and poor sanitation.

Trachoma is triggered by bacteria that cause repeated conjunctivitis, irritating the eyes and creating a mucous discharge. Although the conjunctivitis clears up after a month or so, it is easily spread. This is particularly the case in places where there is little water for people to wash their hands and faces regularly.

How trachoma causes corneal damage:

How does it spread?

The discharge from infected eyes attracts flies that then land on other people's skin. People in crowded households or neighbourhoods are particularly vulnerable.

Trichiasis

Each infection of trachoma leads to a small amount of scarring on the cornea and conjunctiva. This scarring builds up over years of repeated infection until trichiasis sets in.

Trichiasis is when this scarring causes the eyelid to turn inwards, making eyelashes scratch the eyeball. Each time the eyelashes are lowered to blink, the cornea - which enables the eye to focus - is put at risk. Eventually it becomes opaque, causing poor vision and eventual irreversible blindness.

People often try to pull out the eyelashes themselves, put powder on their eyelids, or use tight headscarves to pull up the skin around the eye to restrict blinking. None of these provides a long-term solution.

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An evil disease

Thirty-year-old Jainaba was identified with trichiasis, the later stages of repeated trachoma, at an eye screening session, where she was informed about lid surgery.  

A clear vision for the valley

Our groundbreaking project in Kenya’s Rift Valley is helping tackle the pain and misery caused by trachoma.  

 

Statistics

Last year, we helped to:

  • Treat 598,822 people for trachoma
  • Carry out 9,793 trichiasis surgeriers
  • Train 45 people to carry out lid surgery

Related Information

  • It costs just £5 to pay for lid surgery for trachoma

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