Trachoma

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Definition

Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide. In Western countries, few people know about the disease, but in the poorest countries in Africa, prevalence among children can reach 40 percent. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 8 million people worldwide have been visually impaired by trachoma.

The bacterium that causes trachoma spreads through direct contact with the eye, nose or throat secretions of infected people. It's very contagious and almost always affects both eyes. Untreated trachoma can lead to blindness.

Trachoma is preventable and, if treated early, the prognosis for people with trachoma is excellent.

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Symptoms