Incidence and complications of traditional eye medications in Nigeria in a teaching hospital

Abstract

Purpose:The aim of this study was to determine the types and nature of traditional eye medications (TEMs), their sources, and the ocular complications that may arise from use in a teaching hospital in Nigeria.Materials and Methods:A prospective study of consecutive subjects who used TEM before presentation to the Eye Clinic of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria between July 1, 2004 and June 30, 2008. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:A total of 113 subjects were evaluated of which 64 were males (56.6%), females (43.4%) were females. There was no significant difference in the number of males and females (P > 0.05). Rural dwellers were more likely to use TEM than urban dwellers (P < 0.0001). The mean age of the subjects was 47.9 ± 22.3 years (range, 4-90 years). The most common traditional medication was derived from plant extracts (54.9%) followed by concoctions (21.2%). Complications occurred in 54.8% of the subjects. Ocular complications included corneal opacities in 13.35% of subjects, staphyloma in 9%, and corneal ulcers in 8%. Other complications were panophthalmitis, endophthalmitis, uveitis, cataract, and bullous keratopathy. Eleven subjects underwent evisceration or enucleation of the affected eye. There was no significant difference in the type of medication used and ocular complications (P = 0.956). Sources of TEM were self-medication in 38.9% of subjects, relatives in 27.4%, and traditional healers in 17.7%.Conclusion:The use of TEM is a common practice that could be harmful and lead to blindness. Proper health education of the public and traditional healers can reduce the prevalence of preventable blindness.

A Preliminary Report of Predisposing Factors and Predominant Microbiological Diagnosis of Corneal Ulcers Seen at the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Nigeria

“…The finding of preceding ocular trauma in 50% of patients in this study is similar to Oladigbolu's report of 51.3% in Nigeria [17] and that by Talukder et al [24] of 56.9% in Bangladesh but less than the 82.9% in West Bengal [20]. Corneal injury is a known predisposing factor for microbial keratitis [8] [9] [10] [11] [14] [15] [17] [20]- [25].…”

“…The use of traditional eye medications (TEM) is still a common practice, as most patients in Africa consult a traditional healer before presentation to a hospital [25]. In this study, the use of TEM prior to presentation was noted in 50% of patients, demonstrating the high patronage of traditional healers in our locality, the rest of the patients had tried other forms of alternative medications, self medication and quackery.…”

“…This is not a surprise, knowing that agricultural workers are usually exposed to trauma during agricultural activities especially those involving cutting of wood while clearing the forest or cutting vegetable supplies for animals. Other studies have shown that labourers/farmers contribute 54% -70% of corneal ulcer patients [17]- [25].…”

Self medication among patients seen at ophthalmology clinics at four hospitals in dar es salaam tanzania

“…The present study has shown that about 59.8% of respondents used eye medicines before coming to hospital. Self medication by people with ocular problems has been reported in several studies [10,11,12]. Eye problems that led to self medication are shown in table 2.…”

Symblepharon Following Seizure: Clinical Case Scenario and Review of Literature

“…The application of home remedies such as herbal preparations, urine, breast milk, onions and kerosene to treat eye conditions is a common occurrence in Nigeria and other parts of Africa [11][12][13] . The consequence of this unorthodox practice is avoidable blindness often from significant corneal morbidity.…”