Visual outcome of extracapsular cataract extraction and intraocular lens replacement in leprosy patients

The study was carried out in Meshed, Islamic Republic of Iran, from 1998 to 2000 to explore the visual outcome of eye surgery with extracapsular cataract extraction and intraocular lens replacement on 18 leprosy patients (20 eyes). The most common complications of leprosy were madarosis (90%) and partial or total corneal opacity (90%). Visual acuity before surgery ranged from 'light perception' to 1/10, and this improved after surgery to 5/10-8/10 for 55% of patients. Postoperative infection leading to endophthalmitis occurred in only 1 patient and was treated with drugs; this patient's visual acuity remained at 10 cm finger count. Posterior synechia due to chronic uveitis in leprosy was diagnosed in 70% of eyes, obstructed iris in 25%, keratic precipitates in 25% and moderate iris atrophia in 10%.