Eliminating trichiasis: the next steps forward

Signifi cant progress is being made in the fi ght against blinding trachoma. However, according to estimates, there are over 7.3 million people with trachomatous trichiasis (TT) in the world.1 Trachomatous trichiasis occurs when in-turned eyelashes scrape the cornea. Not only is this incredibly painful, it also causes damage to the cornea; sufferers will become irreversibly blind unless it is corrected surgically. Providing access to quality surgical services, based in the community, is critical if we are to reach the target of eliminating blindness due to trachoma. Since the formation of the Global Alliance for the Elimination of Blinding Trachoma (GET2020) in 1997, there have been advances in trichiasis management on many fronts. However, surgical numbers remain quite low. The Global Trichiasis Scientific Meeting was held in Tanzania earlier this year to consider evidence from various sources about how best to manage trichiasis. The meeting was attended by scientists, national ministry of health programme managers, and NGO personnel from ten countries affected by trachoma. Here are selected conclusions from the meeting that are particularly relevant to eye care professionals actively working in the field: