FP1214 : Toxicity of Custard Apple seeds on the Cornea – Ill effects of a traditional home remedy

Dr.pratheeba devi nivean

To highlight the harmful effects of a traditional home remedy on the cornea and to describe a method of treating such a condition. As a traditional practice, custard apple seeds are crushed and applied on the hair as a remedy for dandruff and lice in many parts of South India. A few patients presented to us with decreased vision, keratoconjunctivitis and loose corneal epithelium within a day of using this remedy on their hair. They were managed conservatively by debriding the loose epithelium and allowing reepithelialization under the cover of topical antibiotics and lubricants. Steroids were not used during the course of treatment. All our patients recovered well within 3 days with a vision of 20/20 and no residual lesion over the cornea. Though this remedy is widely practiced in India, few know about its effects on the eyes and fewer still know its treatment. Our case series highlights a way of treating such cases in a conservative fashion and ensuring faster recovery.