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Phlyctenular eye disease: a reappraisal
1Department of Ophthalmology, University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, India.
Japanese Journal of Ophthalmology
|March 15, 2000
Summary
Tuberculosis remains a primary cause of phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis in India. This allergic eye condition, especially when linked with other factors, presents with more severe lesions and higher recurrence rates in TB patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Allergy
Background:
- Phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis is an allergic eye condition with varied causes.
- While staphylococcal infection and worm infestation are common in developed nations, tuberculosis (TB) remains prevalent in India.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of etiological factors for phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis in India.
- To describe the clinical profile of the disease in the Indian context.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 112 consecutive patients with phlyctenular eye disease over two years.
- Evaluation of etiological factors including tuberculosis, worm infestation, and staphylococcal blepharitis.
Main Results:
- Tuberculosis was associated with 76.7% of cases.
- Severe lesions were more frequent in patients with TB (37%) compared to those without (11.5%).
- Tuberculosis combined with other factors led to severe lesions in 84.6% of cases, with higher recurrence rates.
Conclusions:
- Tuberculosis is a significant cause of phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis in India.
- TB association increases lesion severity and recurrence risk.
- Corneal lesions are less extensive than previously reported, posing a reduced threat to vision.