Ravi Kumar Chukka
LV Prasad Eye Institute
India
Title: Visual impairment in patients with leprosy in Adilabad district in South India
Biography
Biography: Ravi Kumar Chukka
Abstract
Introduction: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that impairs the affected individuals in many ways.
Methodology: 184 leprosy patients were recruited for this study from the leprosy treatment cell and 82% of them were examined.
Results: Out of 184 leprosy patients 150 cases (82%) had complete examination, out of which 72 (48%) were females. 72 (48%) persons had multi-bacillus leprosy and the rest had Pausi bacillus leprosy. 19(14%) of the subjects had organ deformities. 76(51%) subjects had eye problems requiring intervention and among this 12(16%) subjects had ocular problems caused by leprosy. Only 26(17%) of the subjects had previously accessed eye care services. Moderate visual impairment was observed in 39(26%) cases without correction and the vision level improved with correction in 20(51%) cases. Blindness related to leprosy was seen 5(3.3%) patients.
Conclusion: Ocular involvement was seen in 8% of leprosy patients. Early referral of leprosy patients with eye problems will reduce the prevalence of blindness in leprosy patients.
