Incidence of kerato conjunctivo uveitis caused by traditional eye medications in a teaching hospital of Andhra Pradesh

Traditional eye medications-induced kerato conjunctivo uveitis

Authors

  • G Chandrasekhar Department of Ophthalmology, Narayana Medical College and Hospital, Chintareddypalem, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India
  • R. Sudha Department of Ophthalmology, Narayana Medical College and Hospital, Chintareddypalem, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India
  • P. Praneeth Department of Ophthalmology, Narayana Medical College and Hospital, Chintareddypalem, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India
  • Mahaboob V. Shaik Research Scientist, Advance Research Center, Narayana Medical College and Hospital, Chintareddypalem, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India

Keywords:

Complications, keratitis, traditional eye medications

Abstract

Traditional eye medications (TEM) usage is still a common practice as most patients in India consult a traditional healer. Poverty, socio-cultural beliefs, poor health-seeking behavior, and lack of access to health facilities are reasons for the persistence of this practice. [1],[2] Fifty patients with kerato conjunctivo uveitis who used TEM, especially some leaf extract for 3 days, visited ophthalmology clinic, Narayana Medical College Hospital during June 2012. Ocular complications included purulent conjunctivitis in 25 subjects, keratitis in 15 subjects, corneal ulcer in 1 subject, and iridocyclitis in 9 subjects respectively. All patients' disease condition was reversed by the local application of steroid drops, topical antibiotics, anti-allergic drops, and artificial tears. The use of TEM is harmful, further leads to blindness. Proper health education to the public can reduce the prevalence of preventable blindness.

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Published

2014-12-24

How to Cite

1.
Chandrasekhar G, Sudha R, Praneeth P, Shaik MV. Incidence of kerato conjunctivo uveitis caused by traditional eye medications in a teaching hospital of Andhra Pradesh: Traditional eye medications-induced kerato conjunctivo uveitis. Community Acquir Infect. 2014;1. Accessed May 20, 2024. https://www.hksmp.com/journals/cai/article/view/215

Issue

Vol. 1 (2014)

Section

Case Report

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