TRACHOMA

Disease: Trachoma affects about 84 million people worldwide, mostly in developing countries and populations marked by poverty, crowded living conditions, and/or poor hygiene. Trachoma is an infectious disease caused by the microorganism Chlamydia trachomatis. The symptons may include a cloudy cornea, discharge from the eye, swelling of the lymph nodes just in front of the ears, swollen eyelids, and turned-in eyelashes. After years of repeated infection, the inside of the eyelid may be scarred so severely that the eyelid turns inward and the lashes rub on the eyeball, scarring the cornea (the front of the eye).
How it's spread: Trachoma is spread through direct contact with eye (also nose and throat) discharge from an infected person or through contact with infected items such as towels, handkerchiefs, clothes, fingers, etc. The disease can also be spread through transmission by eye-seeking flies.
Effects: If untreated, this condition leads to the formation of irreversible corneal opacities and blindness. At present, it is responsible for more than 3% of the world’s blindness. The socioeconomic effects are endless, with the disease increasing the population of disabled residents in communities who cannot work and must be taken care of, stretching already minimal resources.
Cure: Trachoma is easily treatable. Antibiotics can prevent long-term complications if began in the early stages of the infection. The antibiotics include erythromycin and doxycycline. Occasionally, eyelid surgery may be needed to prevent long-term scarring.
Recent News about Trachoma:
New Study Confirms that Toilets Save Eyesight
A Shamed Nation Turns a Blind Eye
Racing to Save the Eyesight of 84 Million People
If YOU want to help do something about Trachoma, YOU can support these organizations:
International Trachoma Initiative
The Carter Center
The Eye Foundation