Factors Influencing Corneal Involvement in Leprosy

ABSTRACT

Recently, in leprosy patients the frequency of the blindness due to corneal disorder has been increased. We evaluated factors influencing corneal involvement in leprosy patients for the purpose of early detection and treatment of the preventable causes of the blindness. In 100 eyes of 100 leprosy patients and 50 eyes of 50 control who had no abnormality in ocular examination. Each patient was examined with corneal sensitivity test, Schirmer test(Type I) and was graded according to severity of lagophthalmos. The results were as follows 1. 28 eyes(28%) of the leprosy patients and 3 eyes(3%) of the control patients showed less than 5mm wetting of fiter paper respectively. 2. Corneal sensation was decreased moderately or markedly in 42 eyes(42%) of the leprosy patients and 7 eyes(14%) of the control patients respectively. 3. The values of Schirmer test and corneal sensation were decreased with increasing duration of the disease. 4. In leprosy patients, 32 patients(32%) were showed lagophthalmos. The grade of lagophthalmos was increased with increasmg duration of the disease. These results suggest that leprosy patients should be followed closely for factors(corneal sensation, decreased lacrimation, lagophthalmos) affecting cornea and that treatment directed towards this problem should be initiated early.