Yes, tuberculosis (TB) can affect the eyes.
Tuberculosis, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), is most commonly associated with the lungs. However, it is a systemic disease that can spread to other parts of the body, including the eyes.
Ocular Tuberculosis Explained
Ocular tuberculosis (TB) is a specific clinical condition where the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria affect eye tissues. As the reference states, this disease can affect various ocular tissues and lead to a wide range of symptoms. The bacteria can reach the eye through the bloodstream, spreading from a primary infection site elsewhere in the body, often the lungs.
How TB Impacts the Eyes
When MTB reaches the eye, it can cause inflammation and damage to different structures. The condition can manifest in different parts of the eye, leading to various clinical symptoms.
- Uveitis: Inflammation of the uvea (the middle layer of the eye), which can cause pain, redness, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. This is one of the most common presentations of ocular TB.
- Retinal Damage: Involvement of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, can impair vision.
- Optic Nerve Involvement: Inflammation or damage to the optic nerve can lead to vision loss.
- Other Tissues: TB can also affect the cornea, sclera (the white outer layer), and even the eye socket.
The specific symptoms and severity of ocular TB depend heavily on which part(s) of the eye are affected. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent permanent vision loss.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing ocular TB can be challenging as symptoms can mimic other eye conditions. It often requires a combination of:
- Detailed eye examination
- Tests to confirm the presence of TB elsewhere in the body (e.g., chest X-ray, sputum tests)
- Specific eye tests or biopsies in some cases
- Tuberculin skin test or blood tests (IGRA)
Treatment for ocular TB typically involves the same multidrug therapy used for pulmonary TB, guided by infectious disease specialists and ophthalmologists.
