treatment and prevention

Last reviewed 01/2018

Seek expert advice.

• acute infections may be treated with tetracycline, doxycycline or erythromycin. Several courses may be necessary and the maximum effect of therapy may not be achieved for 10-12 weeks. Secondary scarring requires plastic surgery
• single oral dose of azithromycin is as effective as 6 weeks of topical tetracycline (1)
• in active trachoma, azithromycin eye drops twice daily for 2 or 3 days are as efficient as oral azithromycin (2)

• the underlying conditions of poverty, overcrowding and poor hygiene must be alleviated. It is valuable to trace all family members who may have been in contact with the patient since they may harbour the disease. The use of prophylactic topical antibiotics is recommended

"SAFE" strategy for the control of trachoma (SAFE :strategy to eliminate trachoma by the year 2020 (WHO objective)):

• Surgery for in-turned lashes
• Antibiotics for active infection
• Facial cleanliness
• Environmental improvement

Reference:

1. Mabey DC et al.Trachoma.Lancet. 2003 Jul 19;362(9379):223-9.
2. Br J Ophthalmol. 2007 May;91(5):667-72.