Tuberculosis (TB) is commonly associated with lung infections, but did you know it can also affect the eyes? Ocular tuberculosis is a lesser-known but serious condition caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis eye infection. It can lead to vision impairment if not detected and treated early. At Laxmi Netralaya, recognized as the best eye hospital in Patna, we emphasize early diagnosis and treatment of eye-related TB complications to prevent long-term vision loss.
When TB spreads beyond the lungs, it can infect various organs, including the eyes. Miliary tuberculosis ocular manifestations occur when TB bacteria travel through the bloodstream, affecting different parts of the eye. The infection may present in various forms, such as:
● Tuberculous Uveitis: Inflammation inside the eye, leading to redness, pain, and blurred vision.
● Choroidal Granulomas: Nodular lesions in the choroid, which can cause progressive vision loss.
● Retinal Vasculitis in TB: Inflammation of retinal blood vessels, potentially leading to hemorrhages and retinal damage.
● Eales Disease: A condition associated with TB, leading to retinal inflammation, hemorrhages, and, in severe cases, vision loss.
● Chorioretinitis and TB: Involves inflammation of the retina and choroid, causing floaters, vision distortion, or reduced clarity.
● TB-Related Optic Neuropathy: Damage to the optic nerve due to TB infection, resulting in vision loss or visual field defects.
Detecting ocular TB requires specialized diagnostic tools. At Laxmi Netralaya, our best eye specialists in Patna use advanced imaging techniques, blood tests, and molecular diagnostics to confirm the presence of ocular TB. Key diagnostic methods include:
● Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA) to detect retinal vasculitis.
● Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for detailed imaging of retinal layers.
● Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA in ocular fluids.
● Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) and Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) to assess TB infection status.
Treatment typically involves a combination of anti-tuberculosis medications and corticosteroids to control inflammation. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Many cases of ocular TB go undiagnosed due to its subtle symptoms. If you experience persistent eye redness, vision changes, floaters, or unexplained inflammation, consult an eye specialist in Patna immediately. Laxmi Netralaya is committed to providing comprehensive ocular TB diagnosis and treatment with a team of experts dedicated to preserving your vision.