Residual sight-threatening lesions in leprosy patients completing multidrug therapy and sulphone monotherapy

An analysis of data derived from standardized surveys of the ocular findings in cross-sections of the leprosy population in 23 areas is presented. It shows that 24.3% of the patients completing multidrug therapy and 32.9% of those completing sulphone monotherapy have on-going eye problems which have the potential to lead to blindness or severe visual impairment. Most of the ocular complications involve the lids, cornea and anterior uveal tract, but a significant proportion of patients had cataract threatening vision. If left unsupervised, many of these patients will develop major visual problems which could have been avoided. It is important that completion of systemic leprosy therapy should not be regarded as a guarantee that the eyes are safe, and that regular ocular supervision should be continued long after the patient has been classified as 'cured'.