1911 Encyclopædia Britannica/Trachoma

TRACHOMA, the name given to a chronic destructive form of inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye (see Eye: Diseases), or “granular conjunctivitis” (Egyptian ophthalmia). It is a contagious disease, associated with dirty conditions, and common in Egypt, Arabia and parts of Europe, especially among the lower class of Jews. Hence it has become important, in connexion with the alien immigration into the United Kingdom and America, and the rejection of those who are afflicted with it. It is important that all cases should be isolated, and that the spread of the infection should be prevented.