Incidence of ocular manifestations in type of leprosy : A clinical study.

Author's abstract:

Blindness due to leprosy can be better prevented than cured once it sets in proper screening of Hansen’s patients and prompt institution of therapy admixed with gentleness and kindness go a long way in achieving this end. The incidence, severity and morbidity vary from place to place and between various types of leprosy. The eye is involved in all forms of leprosy more in lepromatous than tuberculoid leprosy. The clinical presentation depends on duration of disease, distribution of patients according to age, sex, percentage of ocular involvement with type of leprosy and incidence of blindness are briefly reviewed. 

Conclusion: The eye is involved in all forms of leprosy, more in lepromatous than tuberculoid leprosy considering the seriousness of eye complications, repeated and careful examination of the eye especially of those with lepromatous leprosy and those with nerve involvement affecting the eye cannot be overemphasized, especially since M. leprae can survive in iris and ciliary body long after skin lesions have become negative.