Ocular disabilities in leprosy, Larkana District, Sindh, Pakistan

Background Eye involvement is a common cause of disability and morbidity in leprosy patients. During the Leishmaniasis survey in the mountainous belt, leprosy patients were also checked for different eye complications.Objectives The purpose of this survey was to find out the frequency and severity of ophthalmic disabilities and deformities associated with leprosy in Larkana district.Patients and methods The disabilities and deformities noted were graded according to WHO criteria (1982) as grade I, II and III.Results Eye complications were seen in 43.4% of leprosy patients. There were 71% males and 29% females. Both eyes were affected. Grade I disabilities were more frequent.Conclusion Eye complications are quite common in leprosy patients of Larkana region. Patients education, early diagnosis and treatment and continuous surveillance are mandatory to reduce this high figure