Blindness Following Visceral Leishmaniasis : A Neglected Post-Kala-Azar Complication

Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality that affects multiple organs. Post-kala-azar ocular involvement is a serious complication that can manifest as blepharo-conjuctivitis or pan-uveitis. Failure of prompt diagnosis and treatment can result in blindness. We report five cases with pan-uveitis that followed the successful treatment of VL and consequent post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis were presented. Two patients lost their sight permanently but the rest were successfully treated. A high index of suspicion and prompt treatment are of paramount importance in order to avoid blindness following post-kala-azar ocular uveitis.