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Published on: March 8, 2018
Intraocular pressure and iris denervation in Hansen's disease
S Lewallen1, N Hussein, P Courtright
1Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco 94143-0412.
Summary
Hansen's disease patients frequently experience low intraocular pressure (IOP), linked to eye inflammation and significant IOP fluctuations. Autonomic nervous system dysfunction may underlie these IOP abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hansen's disease (leprosy) can affect ocular structures.
- Intraocular pressure (IOP) regulation in ocular infections is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of low intraocular pressure in Hansen's disease patients.
- To explore potential correlations between low IOP and ocular complications in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 255 Hansen's disease patients' clinical data.
- Assessment of intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements.
- Correlation analysis between IOP, avascular keratitis, and iritis.
Main Results:
- 12% of patients exhibited low intraocular pressure (<7 mm Hg).
- Low IOP correlated significantly with avascular keratitis and iritis.
- Patients with low IOP showed abnormal postural IOP changes.
Conclusions:
- Low intraocular pressure is a notable finding in Hansen's disease.
- Ocular inflammation and autonomic dysfunction may contribute to IOP abnormalities in Hansen's disease.
- Further research into autonomic innervation could clarify IOP regulation mechanisms.
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