01801nas a2200217   4500000000100000008004100001260001700042653001400059653001300073653001700086653001100103653001200114100001600126700001000142245003900152300001100191490000700202050001700209520134300226022001401569       2007                            d  c2007 Apr-Sep10aBlindness10aCataract10aEye diseases10aHumans10aleprosy1 aSamanta S K1 aDas D00aRecent advances in ocular leprosy.  a135-500 v79  aSAMANTA 20073 a<p>Proper MDT soon after detection of leprosy and anti-reaction measures with newer steroids, regular supervision and monitoring of those released from treatment (RFT) reduce the incidence of ocular leprosy to a remarkable extent. Today, most eye complications are because of normal ageing process or of other phenomena in normal healthy population. Cataract and lagophthalmos are the main causes of blindness. However, in India, though the rate of cataract surgical coverage is up to the mark, the same for lagophthalmos is lagging far behind. Integration of management of ocular leprosy into community eye health care service is the talk of the day along with other health care facilities delivered to people affected with leprosy (PAL). Routine eye examinations are necessary for all PB and MB patients, as well as for the RFT persons in order to detect and treat eyes that are at high risk. All eye surgeries can be performed when needed, irrespective of deformities and bacteriological status, by latest microsurgical techniques with good outcome, and better rehabilitation measures. Reorientation training in ocular leprosy is the immediate special need for ophthalmologists, paramedical ophthalmic assistants and eye health care managers working in general hospitals in those areas that were previously "leprosy endemic zones".</p>  a0254-9395