@article{938,
  keywords = {Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Blindness, Child, Eye diseases, Female, Health Surveys, Humans, Incidence, leprosy, Male, Middle Aged, Nigeria},
  author = {Waziri-Erameh M J M and Omoti A E},
  title = {Ocular leprosy in Nigeria: a survey of an Eku leprosorium.},
  abstract = {<p>To determine the ocular morbidity, visual disability and potential for blindness in leprosy patients recently released from treatment. In-patients from Eku leprosy settlement were interviewed and examined for ocular disease from leprosy and other causes. They were examined using the Snellen's chart, pentorch, Kowa portable slit-lamp, direct ophthalmoscope and the pulsair non-contact tonometer. The patients were also refracted. In all, 60 inpatients who were recently released from treatment, comprising 39 men (65%) and 21 women (35%), were examined. Fifty-eight patients (96.67%) had ocular symptoms, the most common being blurred vision in 23 patients (38.33%). Nine patients (15%) were blind. Cataract was the most common cause of blindness occurring in three of the nine patients (33.33%). The most common types of ocular lesions were madarosis (31.67%), lagophthalmos (16.67%) and cataract (16.67%). Potentially blinding conditions due to leprosy were seen in 42 patients (70%). The incidence of ocular involvement, blindness and potentially blinding conditions are high in leprosy patients recently released from treatment. Regular ophthalmic evaluation and integration into Vision 2020 programmes are recommended.</p>},
  year = {2006},
  journal = {Tropical doctor},
  volume = {36},
  pages = {27-8},
  month = {2006 Jan},
  issn = {0049-4755},
  url = {http://tdo.sagepub.com/content/36/1/27.full.pdf+html},
  doi = {10.1258/004947506775598824},
  language = {eng},
}