Dr.Chidanand Kulkarni
The sap from Calotropis plant (Calotropis procera) is toxic when introduced into conjunctival sac. This study includes a series of 8 cases presenting in the period between February to April 2017. The patients presented with typical symptoms and signs of Calotropis toxicity including history of exposure to the plant sap, sudden redness and blurring without pain in the eye. All of them remembered handling the plant either to pluck flowers for worship or while weeding excess growth of the plants. The cases had various degrees of corneal edema. All the cases responded well to treatment with topical steroids and antibiotic eye drops. The plant thrives in hot climate and flowering peaks in summer. During February-May of 2017 the temperature recorded in our district was highest over past decade. Excess proliferation of plant, florid flowering and importance of its flowers in worship -together resulted in these cases presenting within a short period of 3 months.
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