What is Trachoma and How Does My Purchase Help to Fight Against It?
How Your Purchase Makes An Impact
For every box sold, we donate $1 to Sightsavers, the organization working to eradicate Trachoma across the world.
What is Trachoma?
Trachoma can be an incredibly painful condition for those effected. If left untreated, years of repeated infection can cause the severely scarred eyelid (trachomatous conjunctival scarring) to turn inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eyeball (trachomatous trichiasis).
Trachoma is a contagious bacterial infection of the eye that can lead to blindness if left untreated. It is primarily caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis and is often spread through contaminated water, flies, and poor hygiene. Trachoma is a significant public health problem in many developing countries, particularly in regions with limited access to clean water and healthcare.
The Impact of Trachoma
Trachoma can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Red and swollen eyes
- Painful bumps on the eyelids
- Excessive tearing
- Sensitivity to light
If left untreated, trachoma can lead to scarring of the cornea, a clear membrane that covers the eye. This scarring can eventually cause blindness. Trachoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide, affecting millions of people, particularly in children and women.
Sightsavers' Fight Against Trachoma
Sightsavers is a global organization dedicated to preventing blindness and restoring sight. They are actively working to combat trachoma through a comprehensive approach that includes:
1. Mass Drug Administration: Sightsavers travels gloabally to distribute antibiotics that treat trachoma infections and prevent their spread. They work to eradicate trachoma regionally, to prevent its spread. They have successfully eliminated Trachoma from the country Malawi!
2. Community-based programs: Sightsavers works with local communities to raise awareness about trachoma and promote preventive measures, such as washing hands and faces with clean water.
3. Surgery: In cases where scarring has already occurred, Sightsavers provides surgical interventions to restore vision.
4. Training: Sightsavers works with and trains local professionals to administer treatment for trachoma.
The Impact of Sightsavers' Work
Sightsavers has made significant progress in the fight against trachoma. Through their efforts, millions of people have received treatment and regained their sight. The organization's commitment to community-based approaches and partnerships with local governments and healthcare providers has been instrumental in achieving these results.