PATHOLOGY OF IRIS IN LEPROSY

Aim-The histopathological features of the iris in leprosy were studied by light microscopy, Method-Formalin fixed and paraffin embedded iris tissue excised during cataract surgery from 20 leprosy patients were sectioned and studied with haematoxylin and eosin stain and modified F ite Faraco's stain for acid fast bacilli (AFB). Results-Chronic inflam matory reactions were seen in the iris of 11 patients, seven of whom d id not have any clinically demonstrable evidence of iridocyclitis. Smo oth muscle disruption and destruction were seen in two specimens, AFB were found in the iris tissue of a polar lepromatous patient whose ski n smears were negative for AFB and who had completed the WHO recommend ed antileprosy multidrug therapy (MDT). Conclusion-Histopathology disc loses far more silent chronic iridocyclitis in leprosy patients than a re diagnosed clinically AFB can persist in the iris tissue even after completion of MDT. Smooth muscle disruption and destruction, a cause o f the miotic pupil in leprosy has been conclusively demonstrated histo pathologically.