RESUMO
The present paper reviewed the ocular complications resulting from the use of traditional eye medicine in Central Saudi Arabia. We performed a literature search of the PubMed database using the keywords "traditional medicine," "herbal medicine," "ocular injuries," and "visual impairments," covering all years available for peer-reviewed full-text articles, letters, and review chapters of books. An additional search was performed in Google Scholar. All published materials were in English. Several ocular symptoms and disorders, including conjunctival cicatrization, symblepharon formation, obliteration of the fornices and the canaliculi, keratinization of the cornea, dryness, central corneal thinning, and corneal epithelial defect, have been associated with the use of traditional herbal medicine. In addition, the use of traditional eye medicine may result in corneal edema, opacity, ulceration, and perforation. Early recognition of ocular injuries could avoid or at least delay long-term sequelae. Ophthalmologists should be aware of the side effects of traditional remedies. Furthermore, public education, early detection of symptoms, and timely intervention may prevent permanent damage to the eyes.
Assuntos
Traumatismos Oculares , Medicina Herbária , Humanos , Medicina Tradicional , Arábia Saudita , Transtornos da VisãoRESUMO
We report a case of severe ocular injury and impaired vision after self-administration of alum. A 56-year-old female administered an alum substance in the left eye and experienced severe corneal thinning, a scar, and decreased vision. The active compounds in the alum substance were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. When topically administered, alum may cause severe ocular injury. Public awareness, early recognition of the injuries, and timely intervention may prevent permanent ocular damage.
Assuntos
Adjuvantes Imunológicos/toxicidade , Compostos de Alúmen/toxicidade , Doenças da Córnea/induzido quimicamente , Transtornos da Visão/induzido quimicamente , Adjuvantes Imunológicos/química , Compostos de Alúmen/química , Doenças da Córnea/diagnóstico , Feminino , Medicina Herbária , Humanos , Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Autoadministração , Microscopia com Lâmpada de Fenda , Espectrometria por Raios X , Transtornos da Visão/diagnósticoRESUMO
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.