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Corneal sensitivity in patients with leprosy and in controls
L C Hieselaar1, M Hogeweg, C L de Vries
1Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Medical Hospital, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Multibacillary leprosy patients often experience reduced corneal sensation, even without visible eye damage. Regular corneal sensation checks are vital for leprosy patient care to prevent potential vision loss.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Leprosy can affect corneal sensation, potentially leading to ocular complications.
- Early detection of sensory loss is crucial for preventing severe eye pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively assess corneal sensation in leprosy patients compared to controls.
- To investigate the relationship between leprosy type, clinical presentation, and corneal sensation.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving leprosy patients (paucibacillary and multibacillary) and age-matched controls.
- Classification of patients into groups based on eye pathology (none, lagophthalmos, iridocyclitis).
- Corneal sensitivity measured using the Cochet and Bonnet aesthesiometer.
Main Results:
- Significant corneal sensation decrease in multibacillary patients, particularly those with lagophthalmos or iridocyclitis.
- No significant sensation loss in paucibacillary patients without eye pathology.
- No correlation found between orbicularis oculi muscle strength and corneal sensation loss.
Conclusions:
- Corneal sensation loss can occur in multibacillary leprosy patients even without apparent eye disease.
- Routine corneal sensation screening is recommended for leprosy patients.
- Health education on eye care is essential for early symptom recognition.