Ocular changes in reactions in leprosy.

A study of ocular changes in reactions in leprosy was undertaken to assign these changes, their proper place in the wide spectrum of ocular morbidity in leprosy. 76.1% of eyes of Type I reaction and 89.7% of eyes with Type II reaction showed some ocular involvement. Corneal hypoaesthesia, superficial punctate keratitis, a decrease of corneal film break up time (BUT), prominent corneal nerves, pigment on the endothelium of the cornea and a pigmented trabecular meshwork were the common ocular findings. The incidence of iridocyclitis in Type II reactions was low (8.1%). The significance of the ocular involvement in reactions in leprosy and the pathogenesis of iridocyclitis in Type II reactions is discussed.