Clinical manifestations of iridocyclitis in leprosy

Iridocyclitis--an inflammation of the iris and ciliary body occurs in lepromatous spectrum of leprosy of long duration. It is usually bilateral, has a very chronic course with acute exacerbations which are suppressed with the help of corticosteroids and other antiinflammatory drugs--Mydriatic to keep the Pupil dilated and also an antibiotic to take care of secondary infection which may be present. It is a major cause of blindness, due to its secondary damaging effects on the various ocular tissues. Medical and Paramedical Workers attending these patients must be made aware of the chronicity of the iridocyclitis so that regular referrals for examination of the eyes including slit lamp examination could be done and the activity of the disease and its complications detected early and treated. This chronic variety of iridocyclitis often gets less medical attention because of its insidious onset and minimal clinical signs in early stages, except by slit lamp examination. 57 patients suffering from iridocyclitis attending the ophthalmic department of S.L.R. & T.C. Karigiri were followed up carefully over a period of 2 1/2 years to study the clinical manifestations of iridocyclitis, it's complications and management.