Traditional Eye Medication: Still a Challenge in the Twenty First Century - Case Report
Abstract
Traditional eye medications (TEM) are substances, naturally occurring or artificial, which are applied to the eyes to achieve a therapeutic aim.1 In spite of the well documented toxic effects of TEM,2 their use remains common practice.3 Studies across Africa confirmed that many individuals still use TEM before presentation to the hospital.4, 5
References
Prajna N. V., Pillai M. R., Manimegalai T. K., Srinivasan M. Use of Traditional Eye Medicines by corneal ulcer patients presenting to a hospital
in South India. Indian J Ophthalmol. 1999; 47(1): 15–18.
Ukponmwan CU, Momoh N. Incidence and complications of traditional eye medications in Nigeria in a teaching hospital. Middle East Afr J
Ophthalmol 2010 Oct – Dec; 17(4): 315-319
Courtright P, Lewallen S, Kanjaloti S, Divala D J. Traditional eye medicine use among patients with corneal disease in rural Malawi. Br J
Ophthalmol. 1994; 78(11): 810–812
Osahon AI. Consequences of traditional eye medication in UBTH Benin-city. Nigerian Journal of Ophthalmology. 1995; 3:51–54.
Klaus V, Adala HS. Traditional herbal eye medication in Kenya. World Health Forum 1994 6. Aghaji AE, Ezeome IV, Ezeome ER. Evaluation
of content and cost of traditional eye medication in a resource-poor country - Implications for eye care practice and policy. Niger. J ClinPract. 2018 Nov; 21(11):1514-1519
Foster A, Johnson GJ. Traditional eye medicines - good or bad news? Br J Ophthalmol. 1994; 78: 807.
Ntim-Amponsah C T, Amoaku M K, OfosuAmaah S. Alternate Eye Care Services in a Ghanaian District. Ghana Med J. 2005; 39(1): 19–23.
Ajite KO, Fadamiro OC. Prevalence of harmful/traditional medication use in traumatic eye injury. Glob Health J Sci. 2013 Mar 20;5(4): 55-
Matthew OS, Tim S, Manoj G. Turning the tide of corneal blindness. Current Ophthalmol 2012; 60 (5): 423-427.
