BJO at a glance
MONITORING OCULAR LEPROSY
Aggressive programmes to treat leprosy appear to be successful. It is estimated that by the end of 2005, more than 14 million leprosy patients will have completed a standard course of multidrug therapy. Nevertheless, Daniel and co-workers report that in a study of 278 leprosy patients approximately 5.6% will develop new ocular complications of leprosy despite appropriate antibiotic therapy. Because these complications cannot be detected without slit lamp examination they suggest periodic routine monitoring of these patients, particularly older patients and those with other disabilities. See p 949
DON’T FORGET VITAMIN A DEFICIENCY
The role of vitamin A in normal ocular physiology is well established and generally appreciated by ophthalmologists. Nevertheless, new medical and surgical techniques are associated with vitamin A deficiency and ocular problems that may be less well appreciated by practising ophthalmologists. Chae and Foroozan report four patients with vitamin …
