Brawny trachoma is a medical condition that affects the eye. The word "brawny" is pronounced /ˈbrɔːni/ with stress on the first syllable. It means muscular and strong, which describes the swelling and thickening of the eyelids in this condition. "Trachoma" is pronounced /trəˈkəʊmə/ with stress on the second syllable. It is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that can lead to scarring of the eyelids, eyelashes, and cornea. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent vision loss.
Brawny trachoma refers to a serious and advanced stage of trachoma, a contagious eye infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Trachoma primarily affects the conjunctiva, the thin tissue that covers the front of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. If left untreated, the infection can progress to a more severe form known as brawny trachoma.
Characterized by pronounced inflammation and scarring, brawny trachoma is characterized by the formation of large, fibrous tissue on the inner surface of the eyelids. These fibrotic changes cause the eyelid to turn inward, resulting in a condition called entropion. When this occurs, the eyelashes rub against the cornea (the transparent front part of the eye), leading to recurrent corneal abrasion, pain, and potential vision impairment.
Brawny trachoma typically occurs after repeated infections with the bacterium. It is commonly found in areas with poor hygiene, inadequate sanitation facilities, and limited access to healthcare. This condition primarily affects individuals living in developing regions, especially children, who are more susceptible due to their weaker immune systems and high exposure to the infection.
Early intervention and treatment during the early stages of trachoma can prevent its progression to brawny trachoma. Strategies such as facial cleanliness, antibiotics administration, and surgical interventions like eyelid rotation surgeries can help manage this advanced form of trachoma and mitigate its associated complications, including blindness and irreversible damage to the eye.
A condition in which there is a general lymphoid infiltration of the conjunctiva without marked granulation.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "brawny trachoma" appears to be a combination of two separate words: "brawny" and "trachoma".
1. Brawny: The word "brawny" is derived from the Middle English word "brawne", meaning muscle or flesh. It is commonly used to describe someone or something that is strong, muscular, or heavily built.
2. Trachoma: Trachoma is an eye infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It is a chronic condition that can lead to blindness if left untreated. The term "trachoma" comes from the Greek word "trakheia", meaning rough or coarse, referring to the rough appearance of the inner eyelid during infection.
It is important to note that "brawny trachoma" is not a medical or commonly used term.