Use of traditional eye medicines by patients with corneal ulcer in India

Abstract

mately 6.8 million people have been estimated to have vision less than 6/60 in at least one eye due to corneal diseases; of these, about a million have bilateral involvement. [3,4] The burden of corneal disease in our country is reflected by the fact that 90% global cases of ocular trauma and corneal ulceration leading to corneal blindness occur in developing countries. [5] The prevalence of corneal blindness varies from country to country and even from one population to another. Its epidemiology is complicated and encompasses a wide variety of infectious and inflammatory eye diseases. As trachoma and vitamin A deficiency become less common, suppurative keratitis is becoming the major cause of corneal blindness in the developing world. [6] Whereas contact lens use is a major risk factor for corneal ulceration in the developed world, a high prevalence of fungal infections, agriculture-related trauma, and use of traditional eye medicines (TEMs) is unique to the developing world. [7,8] Background: Instillation of traditional eye medicines (TEMs) into the eye is one of the causes associated with poor visual outcome and corneal blindness. Objective: To determine the use of TEM and factors for its use in patients with corneal ulcer. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 189 new patients with corneal ulcer attending cornea clinic of Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh (India). After complete eye examination, information was collected for use of TEM, sociodemographic profile, symptoms necessitating its use, and complication. Necessary treatment was given and final visual outcome was noted. Lab investigations were performed to identify organism. Result: TEM was used by 38% subjects, especially females and subjects residing in rural areas were found to be significantly associated with its use. Majority of TEM users were farmers (51.4%). The most common symptom was poor vision (66.7%) for use of TEM. Breast milk (40%) and plant products (29%) were most commonly applied TEMs. Central and entire corneal involvement was found to be significantly high among TEM users. Scarring and perforation occurred in 70.8% and 31.9% TEM users, respectively. No significant difference was found between organism identified and the use of TEM. Visual acuity up to 6/18 was found to be higher among non-TEM users (23.9%) as compared to TEM users (9.7%). At presentation, 38.9% TEM users had already lost their vision. Significant difference was found between presenting visual acuity and final visual acuity achieved in both groups. Conclusion: Intensive health education is needed for encouraging the uptake of eye care services, particularly in rural areas.

Practice and Associated Factors among Adult Residents towards Traditional Eye Medicine in Gondar City, North West Ethiopia

“…Study participants, who live in a traditional healer available area, were 2.84 times more likely to use traditional eye medicine compared to those who live in an area where traditional healer does not exist. is is in agreement with the Indian study [3]. ey might use traditional healers as an alternative means to seek eye care service.…”

“…Study participants, who had a positive family history of traditional eye medicine use, were 4 times more likely to practice traditional eye medicine compared to those who did Table 3: Factors associated with traditional eye medicine practice in study participants among adult residents in Gondar city, North West Ethiopia, 2017 (n � 73, n � number of traditional eye medicine users in the past 2 years). is is in line with studies in India [3] and Malawi [15]. Traditional eye medicine use might be taken as a trend and pass from parents to children to treat abnormal eye condition, and the family member might bind to a certain belief towards traditional eye medicine.…”

“…It is a more widely available and affordable alternative to pharmaceutical drugs. In Africa, between 13.2 and 82.3% of the population utilizes traditional eye medicine [3][4][5][6].…”

Attitude and its Associated Factors Among Adults Towards Traditional Eye Medicine in Gondar City, North West Ethiopia

“…It is a more widely available and affordable alternative to pharmaceutical drugs. In Africa, about 13.2-82.3% of the population utilizes traditional eye medicine (3)(4)(5)(6).…”

Attitude and its Associated Factors among Adults towards Traditional Eye Medicine in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-sectional Study

“…In Africa, about 13.2-82.3% of the population utilizes traditional eye medicine. [3][4][5][6] Traditional eye medicine has been used in Ethiopia for long period. 7,8 However, there is no study done specifically on attitude towards traditional eye medicine.…”