Corneal Toxicity after Self-Application of Calotropis procera (Ushaar) Latex: Case Report and Analysis of the Active Components

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 HM 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.

Download PDF

Scleral Lenses and Irregular Corneas: Patient versus Practitioner Goals

For more than 25 years, my clinical care for the most part has involved providing vision care for individuals with Keratoconus and other types of irregular cornea. What I have come to appreciate is that what the patient seeks to achieve is often very different from what we as eye care providers are looking to accomplish.

First and foremost, individuals who have learned that they suffer from some sort of corneal irregularity that has begun to interfere with their vision, are simply seeking to address that very issue, their vision. Their other concern is that they are not “going to go blind” from the condition. They don’t think about how the selection and application of a vision care correction might adversely affect their future ocular health.

Advantages and limitations of Contact Lens Revolution in Eye Care

Plethora of innovations in the fired of eye care in general and contact lens in particular has revolutionized the way the patients opt for contact lenses. 

Starting from gas permeable lenses, overnight wear of Orthokeratology lenses, and a wide range of soft lenses are offering comfort and quality vision. However, patients cannot simply go away with each innovations blindly without consider the limitations like scratches, tear, lipid accumulation and attraction of tear protein etc. Patients consider appropriate and comfortable options that would not affect the overall health of the eye in this regard.

Get PDF Link Here

Retreatment Rate Following Supracor Treatment of Hyperopic Presbyopia

To report the retreatment rate and safety of presbyopia treatment using the corneal laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) procedure, Supracor. In this case series, bilateral LASIK using the Supracor algorithm was performed on consecutive hyperopic presbyopic patients. 

All patients were followed for a minimum of six months postoperatively. The principal outcome measures were re treatment rate, safety, efficacy in terms of uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and uncorrected reading ability (vocational reading test), patient satisfaction, stability and predictability. Results: 76 eyes of 38 patients were treated. 42% of patients (16 patients) that were treated required at least one re-treatment.

Addressing Keratoconus disorder using as permeable lenses

Keratoconus is a progressive corneal disorder resulting in thinning and stiffening of the central and Para central cornea. This would lead to protrusion. Although exact cause of this disorder is not known yet, genetical and environmental causes are considered responsible in causing this corneal disease. Keratoconus can be managed with spectacles and contact lenses in the early stages and it may deman surgical intervention in the advanced stage. However, corneal stability and rehabilitation can be achieved using gas permeable lenses.

Get PDF Link Here