In simple words: Tuberculosis of the eye is an infection that can affect any part of the eye. It can occur on its own or spread from tuberculosis in the lungs. Symptoms include eye redness and pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and floaters or flashes of light in the vision.

Tuberculosis of the eye encompasses infections affecting any part of the eye, including intraocular, superficial, or surrounding structures. It can manifest as primary TB (initial site of infection) or secondary TB (spread from other body parts, especially the lungs via hematogenous dissemination).

Example 1: A patient presents with blurred vision, light sensitivity, and floaters. Upon examination, choroidal tubercles are observed, suggesting ocular TB., A patient with a history of pulmonary TB develops eye redness, pain, and blurred vision. Further tests confirm ocular TB resulting from hematogenous spread., A patient with no prior TB history experiences persistent eye inflammation and pain. After extensive testing, including PCR of intraocular fluid, ocular TB is diagnosed as a primary infection.

Documentation should include ophthalmologic findings, results of PCR and tuberculin skin tests, medical history (especially any prior TB), imaging study results, and response to treatment.

** Ocular TB is uncommon in the United States, representing 1-2% of TB cases. It can mimic other eye conditions and requires a thorough diagnostic approach. Delay in diagnosis and treatment can lead to vision loss.