Most cases are not preventable. Treatment reduces the risk of complications.
People who have recently traveled to an area where there is trachoma (North Africa, South Asia) should seek treatment if they have red eyes.
Howard GR. Eyelid retraction. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, Augsburger JJ, et al, eds. Ophthalmology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2004: chap 85.