Catastrophic ocular complications in leprosy: a case report

Abstract

Leprosy is a chronic, granulomatous infectious disease commonly affecting the skin, nerves, mucosa and eyes. The stigma associated with the disease frequently leads to delay in presentation to health professionals. Treated patients, though considered cured presumptively, many continue to live with physical disabilities and deformities. Intact visual acuity prevents humans from trauma and any reduction in visual acuity, especially in leprosy, increases the risk of getting injured by many folds. Here, we present a case of leprosy with complete loss of vision due to bilateral anterior staphyloma secondary to keratitis and his physical deformities preventing him to take care of his eyes. This paper aims to emphasize on the importance of a baseline ophthalmology consultation in all newly diagnosed leprosy patients and repeat examination at onset of any new symptoms of the eye.