Crystalline keratopathy from Dieffenbachia plant sap.

Abstract

correctly diagnosed by CT scan have been described.6Ultrasonography has been advocated in view of its availability, low cost, and high detection rates. One study,3 using porcine eyes, reported an overall IOFB detection rate by ultrasound of 930/O compared with 40°/O by plain x ray. Significantly, Bryden et al's detection rate for Perspex was 96%. Localisation is, of course, less accurate and the technique may not be applicable in some acutely injured eyes.This case emphbsises the need for a combined approach using plain x ray, CT, and ultrasound in the complete assessment of a penetrating eye injury where an intraocular foreign body is suspected.

Acute airway compromise after brief exposure to a Dieffenbachia plant

“…Ocular toxicity causes severe pain, chemosis, photophobia, blepharospasm, lacrimation, corneal abrasion, and keratoconjunctivitis. Seet et al reported a case of keratoconjunctivitis in a man who was squirted in the eye while cutting the stem of a Dieffenbachia (17). Calcium oxalate crystals were seen in the cornea and the man was treated with dexamethasone and chloramphenicol antibiotic drops.…”

Rose-hip keratitis

“…Plant products, extracts, and saps are well-known causes of ocular irritation and inflammation and may lead to serious ocular surface abnormalities. [1][2][3] Our patient is very unusual in that he developed a moderately severe keratoconjunctivitis following contact with rose-hip. Dog Rose (Rosa canina) is found in hedgerows, in scrub, and along margins of woodlands.…”

Ocular Injuries from Plant Sap in Army Soldiers

“…Though there are more than 5000 plant species which contain sap, there have been instances of ocular injuries in humans resulting from accidental exposure to the genera of Euphorbia [1][2][3][4], Dieffenbachia [5], Hippomane [6], and Asclepias [7]. The toxicity is variable between and within genera and species.…”