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Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

Herbert's pits (trachoma)

Herbert's pits (trachoma)

Category(ies): Cornea
Contributor: Justin Risma, MD
Photographer: Stefani Karakas, CRA

Trachoma is the most common cause of infectious blindess in the world. It is caused by the bacterium Chlamyida trachomatis which is spread by poor hygiene, contaminated water, and houseflies. Acute trachoma is characterized by a follicular conjunctivitis that is usually bilateral and usually more prominent on the superior tarsal conjunctiva. Follicles may also appear at the limbus, and when these heal, they form the pathognomonic cicatrial scars pictured here, known as Herbert's pits.