An ocular reaction index for use in the study of onchocerciasis.

To evaluate ocular changes of onchocerciasis, we constructed a single ocular reaction index. Counts of microfilaria in the anterior chamber and cornea, corneal punctate opacities, and grades of limbitis and uveitis were rated from 0 to 6 and then summed. The index was applied to the ocular findings of the subjects who were entered in a study comparing diethyl-carbamazine with ivermectin and found to be valid and stable over time. It is suggested that the proposed index can be used to evaluate a patient's ocular status following treatment or during the course of disease.