Cataract, Cornea, Trauma, Refractive Surgery, Ocular Surface and External Diseases, ASG Eye Hospital, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
Consultant Cataract, Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, ASG Eye Hospital, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
Indian J Ophthalmol. 2024 Jun 1;72(6):816-823. doi: 10.4103/IJO.IJO_793_23. Epub 2024 Mar 8.
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) encompass a group of approximately 20 diseases prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, closely associated with poverty, affecting over a billion people in low-income countries. This manuscript aims to explore the ocular manifestations and burden of two significant NTDs, namely Hansen's disease and trachoma while addressing gaps in understanding and management. Hansen's disease, caused by Mycobacterium leprae , has a long history and presents with diverse neurological and ocular manifestations. Despite the availability of treatment, ocular complications persist, leading to significant visual impairment in some cases. The manuscript emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, regular ophthalmic examinations, and follow-ups to prevent and control ocular complications, reducing the burden of visual impairment and blindness. Trachoma, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis , remains the leading infectious cause of blindness in underdeveloped and remote areas. The manuscript highlights the clinical diagnosis and implementation of the World Health Organization's (WHO's) SAFE (surgery, antibiotics, facial hygiene, and environmental sanitation) strategy to prevent transmission and associated blindness. However, challenges in health surveillance tools and underreporting of trachoma cases are addressed, emphasizing the need for improved strategies to combat the disease effectively. Through a comprehensive review of the ocular manifestations and management of Hansen's disease and trachoma, this manuscript contributes to the existing knowledge base and enhances a deeper understanding of these NTDs. Addressing gaps in understanding and management emphasizes the importance of implementing WHO's strategies and collaborative efforts to achieve the global goal of reducing the burden of NTDs and improving community health and well-being. The manuscript underscores the significance of early intervention, preventive measures, and technological advancements, providing valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and researchers working in the field of NTDs.
被忽视的热带病（NTDs）涵盖了一组约 20 种在热带和亚热带地区流行的疾病，这些疾病与贫困密切相关，影响了低收入国家的超过 10 亿人口。本文旨在探讨两种重要的 NTD 即麻风病和沙眼的眼部表现和负担，并解决在理解和管理方面的差距。麻风病由麻风分枝杆菌引起，历史悠久，表现出多种神经和眼部表现。尽管有治疗方法，但眼部并发症仍然存在，在某些情况下导致严重的视力损害。本文强调了早期诊断、定期眼科检查和随访的重要性，以预防和控制眼部并发症，减轻视力损害和失明的负担。沙眼由沙眼衣原体引起，仍然是欠发达和偏远地区致盲的主要传染病原因。本文重点介绍了临床诊断和世界卫生组织（WHO）的 SAFE（手术、抗生素、面部卫生和环境卫生）策略的实施，以防止传播和相关失明。然而，文中还提到了卫生监测工具的挑战和沙眼病例的漏报问题，强调需要改进策略以有效地防治这种疾病。通过对麻风病和沙眼的眼部表现和管理进行全面审查，本文为现有知识库做出了贡献，并增强了对这些 NTDs 的深入理解。解决在理解和管理方面的差距强调了实施世界卫生组织战略和协作努力的重要性，以实现减少 NTDs 负担和改善社区健康和福祉的全球目标。本文强调了早期干预、预防措施和技术进步的重要性，为从事 NTD 领域的政策制定者、医疗保健专业人员和研究人员提供了有价值的见解。
