Can trachoma cause halos?

Trachoma generally does not cause halos. Common symptoms usually include photophobia, tearing, foreign body sensation, increased eye discharge, and redness.

Trachoma is caused by ocular infection with *Chlamydia trachomatis*. The eye contains abundant sensory nerve endings and is highly sensitive to bright light; inflammation from trachoma infection can lead to tearing. After infection with *Chlamydia trachomatis*, the conjunctival surface becomes rough and uneven, resembling sand grains, which causes a foreign body sensation and increased discharge. Conjunctival congestion, combined with inflammatory irritation, results in eye redness. Therefore, trachoma typically does not produce halos.

Treatment of trachoma primarily depends on the stage of the disease. During the acute phase, oral azithromycin is used, along with topical ophthalmic applications of tetracycline, erythromycin, or sulfonamide antibiotics. Surgical intervention may be necessary for patients with severe complications during the chronic phase. Surgery mainly targets complications—for example, surgical correction of trichiasis and entropion is a key measure to prevent late-stage scarring from trachoma that could lead to blindness. In daily life, maintaining good hygiene practices—such as not sharing personal items like towels or basins, frequently washing the face and hands with clean running water—can effectively prevent *Chlamydia trachomatis* infection and thus trachoma. However, if abnormal or severe halos occur, prompt medical evaluation is recommended to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.