What are the symptoms of trachoma?
I am a 30-year-old female. Recently, I have experienced redness, swelling, itching, and a foreign body sensation in my eyes. I am worried that I may have contracted trachoma. What are the symptoms of trachoma?
The main symptoms of trachoma include redness, itching, foreign body sensation, and increased eye discharge. Trachoma is a common eye disease caused by infection with Chlamydia trachomatis and is primarily transmitted through direct contact. Patients often experience itchy, burning, or painful eyes, along with noticeable bloodshot appearance. Upon waking in the morning, there may be a significant amount of sticky eye discharge, causing the eyelids to stick together. In severe cases, symptoms such as photophobia, tearing, and blurred vision may also occur. If left untreated for a long time, trachoma can lead to scarring of the conjunctiva, affect tear gland function, and even cause corneal opacity, seriously impairing vision.
It is recommended to maintain good personal hygiene habits, wash hands frequently, and avoid rubbing the eyes with hands. Towels, pillows, eyeglasses, or other personal items should not be shared with others to reduce the risk of infection. If the above symptoms occur, timely medical attention should be sought for diagnosis and appropriate treatment by a qualified physician. Common treatment methods include topical application of antibiotic eye drops or ointment; sometimes oral antibiotics may be required. During treatment, wearing contact lenses should be avoided, and regular follow-up visits are necessary to ensure effective control of the condition. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet and enhancing overall immunity can help resist infection.