DR. ALEXANDER EBENEZAR

Abstract

Calotropis procera is a member of the milkweed and also know as Sodom apple or Madar shrub. The latex of Calotropis procera contains several alkaloids which are caustic and considered poisonous in nature. It is reported to cause ocular pain, redness, watering due to corneal infiltrates, iritis, secondary glaucoma. In our case, a 67 year old male presented only with complaints of dimunition of vision, coloured halos in both eyes since 1 day. On examination,BCVA in Both eyes: 20/120; Slit lamp examination: mild conjunctival congestion, Descemet’s folds with stromal edema in both eyes; IOP: 16mmhg (NCT)in both eyes; Fluorescein stain: negative; As-oct: increased corneal thickness; Posterior segment examination: within normal limits. He was treated with steroids and responded to treatment. His visual acuity improved to 20/20 in two days. Conclusion: Calotropis can present with varied symptoms and findings. It can be prevented by avoiding contact or rubbing of eyes while plucking flowers