Tuberculosis is an infection that usually occurs in the lungs but once a person is infected, the bacteria can travel to the lymphatic system and bloodstream and spread to other organs.

Eye tuberculosis is the result of tubercle bacilli reaching the eye predominantly through bloodstream, after infecting the lungs. It can affect any eye structure including the uvea, choroid, and iris.

Uveal tuberculosis is a granulomatous type of uveitis, and it is more common in developing countries than in the USA.

The tubercle bacilli is the causative organism, and the primary focus of the disease is usually found elsewhere in the body.

There are usually complaints of blurred vision, and the eye is red. The infection is usually localized and seen as a severe necrotizing granulomatous chorioretinitis. A cheesy necrosis may occur. If the anterior part of the uveal tract is involved, inflammatory nodules on the iris may be seen on examination. If the choroid and retina are the affected parts, a localized yellowish mass is seen partially obscured by a vitreous that is hazy.

Tests that are commonly done to diagnose active respiratory tuberculosis (see diagnostic code: 6730 tuberculosis) include: purified protein derivative (PPD) skin testing, and chest x-ray. Eye examinations may be performed with a slit lamp and an ophthalmoscope.

The established multidrug therapy protocol for active respiratory tuberculosis will be most likely followed. To prevent the reactivation of inactive tuberculosis (see diagnostic code: 6731 tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic inactive), the patient is encouraged to maintain regular follow-up examinations, and to learn the signs and symptoms of disease reactivation. In addition, intraocular inflammation will be treated with cycloplegics and corticosteroids.

Tuberculous uveitis usually resolves in several months and may become inactive. However, the occurrence of scarring of the retina causes blurred vision resulting from permanently damaged tissue.

• Consider service connection for this condition only in its active form on a presumptive basis as a chronic condition (38 CFR 3.307(a)(3)  ; 38 CFR 3.309(a)).

• Review 38 CFR 3.372 with the initial grant of current inactive tuberculosis with a documented history of activity.

• Review for entitlement under 38 CFR 3.317(c)

• Review 38 CFR 3.343(b) when considering the potential permanence of inactivity of tuberculosis.

• Review 38 CFR 3.375(b)when determining inactivity of non pulmonary tuberculosis.

• Inactive: Evaluate under 38 CFR 4.88c or 38 CFR 4.89 of this part, whichever is appropriate.

• May be entitled to special monthly compensation where the Veteran has a single service-connected disability rated as 100% with additional service-connected disability or disabilities independently ratable at 60% or more, which are separate and distinct from the 100% service-connected disability and involves different anatomical segments or bodily systems. See  38 CFR 3.350(i)(1) – Special Monthly Compensation (SMC).