Trachoma

Trachoma, an eye disease which may result in blindness, is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. Derived from the Ancient Greek, "Trachoma" means "rough eye." The blindness is caused by ulceration and consequent scarring of the cornea. It is one of the earliest recorded eye diseases, having been identified as early as 27 B.C. It is the leading cause of blindness worldwide and currently afflicts over 400 million people, most of whom live primarily in underdeveloped and poverty-stricken countries in Africa, the Middle-East, and Asia. Rare in the United States, the disease can be treated with antibiotics and prevented with adequate hygeine and education.

Related Topics:
Eye - Blindness - Chlamydia - Ancient Greek - Cornea - Africa - Middle-East - Asia - Antibiotics - Hygeine

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