Citation

Al Ghadeer H, Al Gethami A, Al Sulaiman H, Bukhari T. Middle East Afr. J. Ophthalmol. 2019; 26(1): 40-42.

Affiliation

Department of Emergency, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Medknow Publications and Media)

DOI

10.4103/meajo.MEAJO_180_18

PMID

31114124

PMCID

PMC6507379

Abstract

Calotropis procera (ushaar) produces a copious amount of latex, which has both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory pharmacological properties. Local application produces an intense inflammatory response and causes significant ocular morbidity. We report corneal toxicity following self-application of latex from C. procera in a 74-year-old man. He reported painless decreased vision in the affected eye with diffuse corneal edema, and specular microscopy revealed a reduced endothelial cell count. After he was treated with topical corticosteroids, his visual acuity improved from hand motion to 20/80. The composition of the active compounds in the latex was analyzed. When topically administered, the latex may cause severe ocular injuries and a loss of endothelial cells over a period of time. Public education, early recognition of such injuries, and timely intervention may prevent permanent ocular damage.

Language: en

Keywords

Calotropis procera; corneal toxicity; herbal medicine; keratitis; ushaar latex