Leprosy keratopathy

Leprosy is an extremely chronic and less infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It mainly affects the skin and peripheral nerves. In severe cases, it can cause facial damage and limb disability. The epidemic is widespread, mainly in Southeast Asia. In addition to invading the skin and peripheral nerves causing leprosy nodules, leprosy can also invade various organs and tissues in the body. The eye is also the most commonly affected organ. Leprotic keratitis can be caused by 25% of patients. Patients not only lose touch but also lose sight. This is an irreversible double tragedy that brings great pain to patients and their families. The World Health Organization has proposed a grand plan to eradicate leprosy globally at the end of the 20th century. Although it has achieved considerable results, leprosy is still an important public health problem. According to the recent statistics of the China Leprosy Association, there are less than 70,000 cases in China. At present, the incidence has decreased significantly. With the reduction of leprosy patients, better early diagnosis methods are needed. Treatment of leprosy and leprosy reactions is still far from ideal. The effects of leprosy vaccines for high-risk populations have yet to be evaluated. The prevention and treatment of leprosy is highly valued, and the goal of eliminating leprosy has been basically achieved by the end of the 20th century. Except for a few remaining patients with existing illnesses in the western and remote mountainous areas, no new cases of infection have occurred in the country.