Ocular manifestations of tuberculosis

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic debilitating infection which is caused by Mycobacteriumn tuberculosis and other mycobacteria. Mycobacterium tuberculosis affects predominantly the lungs although it can affect every organ of the body. Two billion people are affected by tuberculosis. Majority of tuberculosis cases and related deaths occur in Asia. Tuberculosis most commonly occurs in people belonging to the low socio-economic status. Crowding, poor healthcare, unemployment and poor knowledge about basic sanitation increase the risk of acquiring the infection. India is endemic for tuberculosis with 256/lakh population. TB can affect majority of the structures of the eye with marked variability of the lesions. This review will focus on the clinical presentation and management of ocular TB.

Keywords: Differential diagnosis; Manifestations; Ocular tuberculosis.