Trachoma: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Published on March 31st, 2026
Trachoma refers to an eye infection that is caused by bacteria called Chlamydia Trachomatis, according to the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council. Symptoms of trachoma encompass red, sticky, itchy or painful eyes. While it can be treated with antibiotics, untreated Trachoma can lead to an altered appearance of the eye and potential vision issues. Read more about all there is to know about Trachoma below. It should be noted that this information is general in nature and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider.
What Is Trachoma?
Trachoma is the term given to a type of eye infection caused by the bacterium called chlamydia trachomatis, according to Health Direct. The infection can cause your eyelids to turn inwards, a condition referred to as trichiasis.
How does Trachoma Affect the Eyes?
Trachoma affects the eyes through symptoms such as eye redness, eye irritation, swelling, irritation inside the upper eyelid and trichiasis according to Better Health Victoria.
Is Trachoma Caused by a Bacterial Infection?
Yes, trachoma is caused by an infection through the bacterial subtype of Chlamydia trachomatis.
What Causes Trachoma in the Eye?
The causes of trachoma include contact with contaminated items, contact with flies that have touched infected eyes and close contact with an infected person. Read more about these causes of trachoma in the eye below.
- Contact with contaminated items: Contact with contaminated items, such as face cloths, can spread trachoma to other people.
- Contact with flies that have touched infected eyes: Contact with flies that have touched infected people can lead to infection. This is particularly true if the fly has been in contact with discharge from the eyes or nose of an infected person.
- Close Contact with an infected person: Close contact with an infected person, such as through contact sports or physical contact, can lead to Trachoma.
How does Trachoma Spread to the Eye?
Trachoma spreads to the eye through direct contact with the bacteria and fluid that has come from either the eyes or nose of infected people, according to Health Direct.
How can Trachoma Cause Blurred Vision?
Trachoma causes blurred vision due to trachiasis, which is a common symptom of trachoma. Trachiasis refers to when the eyelid turns inward, and the eyelashes start rubbing against the eye, which can gradually lead to severe eye irritation, which can lead to conditions that cause compromise of vision.
Can you Get Trachoma in the Eye Through Contact?
Yes, you can get trachoma in the eye through contact as it spreads through unwashed hands, shared face cloths, or by flies that have been in contact with an infected person, according to The Fred Hollows Foundation.
What are the Most Common Trachoma Symptoms?
The most common trachoma symptoms are eye redness, eye discharge, eyelid swelling, and enlarged lymph nodes. Read more about these common trachoma symptoms below.
- Eye redness: Eye redness is a common symptom of trachoma. The white part of your eye will be pink or red in appearance.
- Eye discharge: Eye discharge refers to the release of mucus, pus or excessive tears from the eyes; a common symptom of Trachoma.
- Eyelid swelling: Eyelid swelling can occur as a symptom of trachoma, giving the appearance of inflamed and irritated skin around the eyes.
- Enlarged lymph nodes: Lymph nodes are a part of the immune system. Infection causes activation of the immune system, which leads to enlarged lymph nodes.
How do Early Stage Trachoma Eye Infection Symptoms Appear?
Early stage trachoma eye infection symptoms include eye redness, eye discharge, irritation, eyelid swelling and inflammation inside the upper eyelid according to the Vision Eye Institute.
Do Trachoma Symptoms Usually Start With Watery Eyes?
Yes, trachoma symptoms can usually start with watery eyes in older adults, according to the Queensland Government.
Can Trachoma Lead to Chronic Eye Irritation?
Yes, trachoma can lead to eye irritation. You may experience mild itching and irritation of your eyes and eyelids as part of your initial symptoms.
How is Trachoma Different From Other Eye Infections?
Trachoma is different from other eye infections due to how it is caused, which is by infections by the bacterium called chlamydia trachomatis, according to Queensland Government Health.
What is the Difference Between Trachoma and Chlamydia Conjunctivitis?
The difference between trachoma and other chlamydia eye infections is that trachoma is not transmitted sexually, whereas chlamydia eye infection is sexually transmitted. They are both caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, different serotypes of the bacterium.
Can Trachoma Lead to Permanent Vision Loss?
Yes, trachoma can lead to permanent vision loss. In fact, it is one of the leading infectious causes of blindness worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation.
Can Trachoma Be Mistaken for Pink Eye?
Yes, trachoma can be mistaken for pink eye as the initial symptoms can resemble those of pink eye, such as redness, irritation and discharge.
How do Eye Doctors Diagnose Trachoma Disease?
Eye doctors, such as optometrists, can diagnose trachoma by examining your eyes. If you have trachoma, you may have pale, round spots on your inner eyelid. The eye doctor may also take a swab of fluid from your eyes to test for bacteria.
What Signs Help Identify Trachoma During an Eye Test?
The signs that can help identify trachoma during an eye test include eye discharge, eyelid swelling, and inward rolling eyelids. Read more about these signs eye doctors look for, to help identify trachoma during an eye test, below.
- Eye discharge: Eye discharge at the corners of the eyes is a common sign of trachoma.
- Eyelid swelling: Eyelid swelling of the upper eyelid is common as well as inflammation around other parts of the eye.
- Inward rolling eyelids: Inward rolling eyelids, known as Trachiasis, is when the eyelid turns inward, and the eyelashes start rubbing against the eye, a common sign of trachoma.
What are the Most Effective Trachoma Treatments?
The most effective trachoma treatments are antibiotics, surgery, and practising good hygiene. The most effective trachoma treatments are listed below.
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics are the main treatment for trachoma. This involves a single dose of an antibiotic called azithromycin to kill the bacteria, according to South Australia Health. This antibiotic treatment is also recommended for anyone living or sleeping within the same household as the person with trachoma.
- Surgery: For severe cases of trachoma where the eyelashes are rubbing against the eye, eyelid surgery is vital to prevent further damage to the eye that may cause permanent blindness.
- Practising Good Hygiene: Practising good hand hygiene and keeping your face clean are important in reducing the transmission of trachoma, particularly among young children.
How do Antibiotics Treat Chlamydia in the Eye?
Antibiotics, specifically azithromycin taken orally, treat chlamydia in the eye by ‘binding to and interfering with the 50S ribosomal subunit in bacteria, which prevents the translocation of peptides and thus inhibits protein synthesis’, according to M. Wolle and S. West’s research paper titled ‘Ocular Chlamydia trachomatis infection: elimination with mass drug administration’ published in 2019. The antibiotic kills the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis in the eye and helps to reduce active infection.
Can Trachoma Be Cured With Proper Treatment?
Yes, early trachoma can be cured with antibiotics and proper hygiene. Although treatment for trachoma can remove infection, in severe or untreated cases, there may still be irreversible damage that can affect vision. Early prevention can help prevent blindness, and public health measures can reduce the spread of the disease.
How do Contact Lenses Impact Eye Hygiene and Infection Risk?
Improper use or poor hygiene with contact lenses can increase the risk of eye infections in some cases. That is why it is important to maintain clean contact lenses and to change them frequently as instructed, to reduce the potential for eye hygiene and risk.
What Eye Care Treatments Help Manage Trachoma Symptoms?
The eye care treatments that may be prescribed to help manage trachoma symptoms are a tetracycline eye ointment or oral azithromycin, according to the Mayo Clinic.
What Types of Eye Drops Are Used for Eye Infections?
Eye drops are not typically used for eye infections such as Trachoma, however they could be prescribed by an eye professional. Antibiotics or eye ointments are typically recommended by an optometrist.
How can Protective Glasses Help People With Trachoma Sensitive Eyes?
There is no direct correlation between the use of protective glasses and people with trachoma-sensitive eyes. However, it is important for everyone, regardless of whether they have trachoma or not, to wear protective eyewear when necessary, such as while playing high-contact sports or doing woodwork.
Why are Sunglasses Important for People With Trachoma or Eye Irritation?
Sunglasses can be important for people with trachoma or eye irritation as they allow for UV protection in bright outdoor settings, which can reduce eye strain and sensitivity that can come from UV exposure. However, it should be noted that sunglasses do not mitigate symptoms of trachoma.
How can Sunglasses Help Reduce Light Sensitivity Caused by Trachoma?
Sunglasses can help reduce light sensitivity caused by trachoma as they block the bright UV rays from the sun. For optimal protection from the sun, UV400 protective sunglasses are most effective as they block UV rays up to 400 nanometres (nm) in wavelength. According to the Cancer Council, 400 UV protection is the standard UV protection that must be met by sunglasses under the Australian/New Zealand Standards. It should be noted however, that sunglasses do not reduce symptoms of Trachoma.
How can Regular Eye Tests Help Detect Trachoma Early?
Regular eye tests can help detect trachoma early, as optometrists will be able to assess the symptoms present and diagnose whether trachoma is present. It is generally recommended that patients see an optometrist when experiencing any changes to their vision to ensure early detection.
Why is Early Detection Important for Preventing Severe Trachoma?
Early detection is important for preventing severe Trachoma as it allows for treatment to be administered early so symptoms do not worsen.
Can an Optometrist Detect Early Signs of Trachoma?
Yes, an optometrist can detect early signs of Trachoma. Symptoms will begin within five to 12 days following infection, according to Better Health Victoria.