Dr.EPSITA GANTAYAT

Dr.SUJATA PADHY

Abstract

Calotropis procera is a commonly used flower in religious practices around India. It produces a copious amount of latex, which has both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory pharmacological properties. It produces severe inflammatory response on local application and its accidental instillation in the eye is associated with significant ocular morbidity. We have documented a series of 4 cases observed during a span of one month who were exposed to Calotropis plant milky sap drop and exhibited burning sensation, watering, discomfort and blurring of vison. On examination it was noticed that all cases had conjunctival congestion, corneal edema, descemet’s folds of variable extent with visual acuity ranging between 6/60 to 6/18. When treated with topical steroid, antibiotics and NSAID vision improved significantly in these patients. Therefore, it is indispensable to educate people about the deleterious effect of this flower and propagate specific methods to prevent such visual morbidity.