Abstract

Ocular tuberculosis may be a presenting feature of tuberculous infection, especially with extensive occlusive retinal vasculitis among Asians. Being a curable disease, awareness of its presentation and high index of suspicion are paramount as prompt treatment can halt the disease progression and prevent visual loss. We presented three cases of ocular tuberculosis in young healthy adults who presented with progressive blurring of vision with florid retinal vasculitis seen on funduscopy. Two of them were with no bacillus Calmette-Guerin scar. Fundus fluorescein angiography confirmed the presence of occlusive vasculitis with extensive area of ischemia. All cases showed a raise in erythrocyte sedimentation rate and strongly positive Mantoux tests. Pan-retinal photocoagulation was given to all patients. Two cases responded well to anti-tubercular therapy followed by oral steroids and regained normal vision in both eyes. One patient was not started on anti-tubercular therapy as he requested to return to his native country for further treatment.

Authors and Affiliations