Ocular leprosy in Nigeria: a survey of an Eku leprosorium.
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.
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, P.M.B.1111, Benin City, Nigeria.
M J M
MJ
Waziri-Erameh
A E
AE
Omoti
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001766:Blindness / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D002648:Child; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007918:Leprosy / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria