Cochrane: Trachoma
is an eye disease caused by bacterial infection. Active infection
usually begins in childhood and is characterized by eye discharge,
redness and irritation. Poor facial hygiene can lead to the disease
spreading from person to person through eye-seeking flies or
contaminated fingers. Face washing is promoted as part of the World
Health Organization 'SAFE' strategy to eliminate blindness around the
world. Face washing is simple and rational, but its effectiveness to reduce transmission of trachoma is uncertain.