There is a foreign body sensation in my eyes. Is it trachoma?

"I feel like there is something foreign in my eyes, like sand is grinding against them. Do I have trachoma?"

Many people may have the above doubts, but in fact, trachoma is not caused by sand entering the eyes, and has nothing to do with outdoor sand. Trachoma is a relatively common chronic infectious conjunctivitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. Because the inner surface of the eyelid forms a rough and uneven appearance, which looks like sand grains, it is called "trachoma".

Symptoms of trachoma

The early stage of trachoma will show symptoms such as tearing, photophobia, red eyes, foreign body sensation, and increased secretion.

Late-stage severe trachoma can cause a series of complications, such as trichiasis, entropion, trachomatous corneal ulcer, ptosis, trachomatous dry eye, lacrimal duct obstruction and chronic dacryocystitis, which seriously endanger vision.

How is trachoma spread?

Tianjin University Aier Eye Hospital kindly reminds you that Chlamydia trachomatis is often attached to the secretions of the patient's eyes, so any contact with these secretions through towels, clothes, face washing utensils, etc. may cause the opportunity for trachoma infection to be transmitted. In addition, insects such as flies and mosquitoes may also carry pathogens and may be infected after contact with contaminated food or daily necessities. Therefore, developing good hygiene habits is very important to prevent trachoma.

Prevention of trachoma

1. Keep your face clean, wash your hands frequently, and do not rub your eyes with your hands.

2. Wash towels frequently, dry them in the sun, and disinfect them regularly.

3. Do not share washbasins, towels and other cleaning utensils with others.

4. Avoid contact with trachoma patients and items used by them.

5. Dispose of garbage properly to avoid breeding of mosquitoes.

6. Pay attention to the cleanliness of water sources.

If you have symptoms of trachoma, you must go to the hospital for treatment in time. Patients with trachoma should also actively seek treatment to avoid severe trachoma symptoms that affect vision.