Trachoma is an
infectious disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.
Infection with C. trachomatis produces characteristic changes to the inner surface of the eyelids, resulting in sequela that when left untreated, leads to vision impairment and
blindness. Repeated
trachoma infections can cause severe
scarring of the inside of the eyelid and can cause the eyelashes to scratch the cornea (
trichiasis). The objective of this overview was to synthesize the evidence from Cochrane systematic reviews regarding the treatment of
trachoma, and to provide a brief and user-friendly front end for health professionals, researchers and policy makers. Face washing plus topical
tetracycline eye
ointment gave no additional protective benefit against active
trachoma when compared with topical
tetracycline eye
ointment alone. Nor was any benefit conferred in the presence of severe
trachoma. Primary health-care education was found to be effective in reducing the odds of active
trachoma. Evidence of benefit from
insecticide spray or provision of latrines away from living areas was inconclusive for active
trachoma. Surgical interventions that involve full-thickness incision with tarsal rotation are more effective than alternate
surgical procedures.