Arlt's line

Arlt's Line is a medical term referring to a horizontal line of roughened, inflamed tissue on the inner surface of the upper eyelid, typically seen in chronic trachoma infections. Named after Austrian ophthalmologist Carl Ferdinand von Arlt, this symptom is a key diagnostic feature of trachoma, a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.

Overview

Trachoma is an infectious disease that affects the eye, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It is the leading cause of infectious blindness worldwide. Arlt's Line is a characteristic sign of chronic trachoma. It is a horizontal line of roughened, inflamed tissue on the inner surface of the upper eyelid.

History

The term "Arlt's Line" is named after Carl Ferdinand von Arlt, an Austrian ophthalmologist who first described this symptom in the 19th century. Arlt made significant contributions to the field of ophthalmology, including the description of trachoma and its symptoms.

Clinical Significance

Arlt's Line is a key diagnostic feature of trachoma. It is typically seen in the later stages of the disease, indicating chronic inflammation and scarring. The presence of Arlt's Line, along with other symptoms such as conjunctivitis, corneal opacity, and entropion, can help clinicians diagnose trachoma.

Treatment

The treatment for trachoma, and thus Arlt's Line, involves antibiotics to clear the Chlamydia trachomatis infection, as well as possible surgery to correct eyelid deformities and prevent further damage to the cornea.

See Also

• Trachoma
• Carl Ferdinand von Arlt
• Chlamydia trachomatis
• Conjunctivitis
• Corneal opacity
• Entropion

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