Inflammation of the eyelid in trachoma, a chronic, contagious eye disease that is caused by the virus-like bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. The conjunctiva, the membrane lining the eyelid & covering the front of the eye, becomes infected and inflamed. Trachoma is a disease of hot dry climates; infection is spread by eye to eye through poor hygiene or flies. The disease strikes in infancy and repeated infection in adult life may lead to conjunctival scarring & dry eyes. Subsequent conjunctival shrinkage causes the eyelids to turn inwards and scratch the cornea, resulting in a loss of sight.