Trachoma

Survey on eye disease underway in PNG

Trachoma is an infection of the eyes that may result in blindness after repeated re-infections.

It is the world's leading cause of preventable blindness and occurs where people live in overcrowded conditions with limited access to water and health care.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that six million people worldwide are blind due to trachoma and more than 150 million people are in need of treatment.

Chief eye doctor in PNG Dr Simon Melengas said with the dry season affecting the country, this disease is most likely to affect the communities.