In trachoma, the WHO grading system TF (trachomatous inflammation-follicular) is defined as:

• A Intense inflammatory thickening of upper tarsal conjunctiva obscuring deep tarsal vessels
• B Presence of 5 or more follicles (≥0.5 mm) in the upper tarsal conjunctiva ✓
• C Presence of scarring of the tarsal conjunctiva
• D Trichiasis with inturned eyelashes touching globe

Explanation

The WHO simplified grading for trachoma (for field use): TF = Trachomatous Inflammation-Follicular: ≥5 follicles (each ≥0.5 mm diameter) in the upper tarsal conjunctiva — represents active infection. TI = Trachomatous Inflammation-Intense: inflammatory thickening obscuring >50% of deep tarsal blood vessels — represents severe active disease. TS = Trachomatous Scarring. TT = Trichiasis. CO = Corneal Opacity. The SAFE strategy (Surgery, Antibiotics, Face washing, Environmental improvement) is the WHO recommended management framework.

Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.