ACTIVE TRACHOMA IN AN OUT PATIENT CLINIC

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the presentation and outcome of active trachoma patients presenting to the

Ophthalmology out patient clinic.

Material and Methods: The study was conducted at Saidu Teaching Hospital, Saidu Sharif, Swat from

1st January 2000 to 31st December 2001. All patients attending the outpatient department of

Ophthalmology unit were examined and screened for active trachoma (trachoma follicular and trachoma

intense) presentation and outcome. The medical treatment advised was oral Azithromycin 1 gram as a

single dose and Tetracycline eye ointment twice a day for 6 weeks.

Results: Out of 20193 OPD patients, patients with active trachoma were 52 (0.26%) ranging in age from

9 to 65 years. Trachoma was more common in females (90.4%) than males (9.6%). Forty-one (79%) cases

were bilateral and 11 (21%) were unilateral. 42 cases presented with history of sore eyes and

mucopurulent discharge for one month or more. Complications observed were conjunctival scaring in 6

(11.54%) cases, trichiasis in 5 (9.61%) cases and corneal opacity in 3 (5.77%) cases. All the patients came

for the 1st follow up visit after 4 weeks (100%) and seven (13.46%) patients had come for 2nd follow up

visit after one year, with no signs or symptoms of active trachoma indicating 100% successful medical

treatment.

Conclusion: Bilateral sore eyes and mucopurulent discharge are the common presentations of Trachoma.

Complications like conjunctival scaring, trichiasis and corneal opacity are still seen. Single dose treatment

with oral Azithromycin is effective.