At Ellis Island, medical officers primarily checked for trachoma by carefully examining the inner surface of immigrants' eyelids.
The Trachoma Examination Process
The medical inspection at Ellis Island was a critical and often rapid part of the immigration process, designed to identify individuals with contagious diseases or conditions that could pose a public health risk. Public Health Service (PHS) officers conducted these screenings with efficiency.
The "Eye-Hook" Inspection Method
The specific procedure for detecting trachoma involved a direct and somewhat intrusive examination of the eyes. As immigrants moved through the inspection line:
- Initial Survey: PHS officers would first perform a quick, overall visual assessment, often referred to as the "six-second glance," surveying individuals for a variety of serious and minor diseases and conditions.
- Eyelid Eversion: Following this initial overview, the officers would specifically focus on the eyes. To properly inspect for trachoma, they would turn back the eyelids of the immigrants. This was typically done using their fingers or, in some cases, a specialized small tool called a buttonhook. This method allowed them to thoroughly examine the conjunctiva, the inner lining of the eyelid, for characteristic signs of the disease, such as inflammation, follicles, or scarring.
Why Trachoma Was a Significant Concern
Trachoma, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, was a highly feared contagious eye infection. If left untreated, it could lead to severe inflammation, corneal scarring, and ultimately blindness. Due to its contagious nature and potential for widespread public health consequences, immigrants diagnosed with trachoma were typically deemed unfit for entry into the United States and were often subject to deportation. The rigorous and direct eye examination at Ellis Island was thus a crucial measure to prevent the introduction and spread of this debilitating disease.
