Question
How should trachoma be treated?
Answer
Trachoma is a common eye infection caused by chronic chlamydial conjunctivitis keratitis. The infection can persist for several years to several decades, with severity closely related to environmental health and living conditions. Early symptoms include eye discomfort, photophobia, tearing, itching, foreign body sensation, increased secretion, conjunctival congestion of the eyelids, papillary hypertrophy, vesicle formation, and possible corneal vascularization due to corneal invasion. When there are active vascularization on the cornea, the symptoms of irritation are significant, and vision may decline. The treatment methods for trachoma include:
- Medication Treatment: Use antibiotic eye drops or ointments to control the infection, common medications include erythromycin ointment, tetracycline eye drops, etc. Please use the medication correctly as advised by a doctor.
- Hygiene Measures: Keep the eyes clean, do not rub your eyes with your hands, wash your hands frequently, and avoid spreading the infection.
- Environmental Hygiene: Maintain environmental cleanliness, reduce sources of contamination, such as sharing towels and pillows.
- Avoid Contact: Avoid contact with the patient’s ocular secretions to prevent infection transmission to others.
- Medical Consultation and Follow-up: Regularly visit the hospital for follow-up consultations and treatment monitoring according to the doctor’s advice. Please consult a professional ophthalmologist for detailed diagnosis and treatment plan formulation.