Trachoma

This is a chronic contagious disease of the cornea and conjunctiva due to a large sized virus. Children are usually affected more easily though there is no age limit. Trachoma is more widespread in the economically depressed groups in dry dusty climates. The infection is usually spread by contamination with conunctival discharge through fingers, towels or flies. Trachoma gives very few symptoms: a little watering, some foreign body sensation and slight stickiness of the lids. The problems lies in the complications it produces in later stages, both in the lids and the cornea, even leading to blindness.

The treatment in the earlier stages is elementary and if done, is curative. In mild cases sulpha drops and a tetracycline eye ointment suffice. In severe cases, long acting sulpha given orally is effective.

Trachoma is one of the classic reasons for yearly eye checks. It can be easily missed till complications start, by which time it may be too late.

White Ring Around the Cornea (Arcus Senilis)

This is due simply to old age, though it may start even in the late 30s. It is a deposition of fat, in the shape of a circular band a millimetre wide, and except for its cosmetic appearance it is not of any significance and never affects sight. Unfortunately there is no way to remove the ring, which stays permanently.