Treatment:

Antibiotics can prevent long-term complications if used early in the infection. Antibiotics include erythromycin and doxycycline. In certain cases, eyelid surgery may be needed to prevent long-term scarring, which can lead to blindness if not corrected.

Expectations (prognosis):

Early treatment before the development of scarring and lid deformities has an excellent prognosis.

Complications:

• Scarring of the conjunctiva and cornea
• Eye lid deformities
• Turned-in eyelashes
• Vision loss -- if severe, may result in blindness

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you or your child recently visited an area of the world where trachoma is common and there are symptoms of conjunctivitis.