Ocular Complications Resulting from the Use of Traditional Herbal Medicine in Central Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The present paper reviewed the ocular complications resulting from the use of traditional eye medicine in Central Saudi Arabia. We performed a literature search of the PubMed database using the keywords “traditional medicine,” “herbal medicine,” “ocular injuries,” and “visual impairments,” covering all years available for peer-reviewed full-text articles, letters, and review chapters of books. An additional search was performed in Google Scholar. All published materials were in English. Several ocular symptoms and disorders, including conjunctival cicatrization, symblepharon formation, obliteration of the fornices and the canaliculi, keratinization of the cornea, dryness, central corneal thinning, and corneal epithelial defect, have been associated with the use of traditional herbal medicine. In addition, the use of traditional eye medicine may result in corneal edema, opacity, ulceration, and perforation. Early recognition of ocular injuries could avoid or at least delay long-term sequelae. Ophthalmologists should be aware of the side effects of traditional remedies. Furthermore, public education, early detection of symptoms, and timely intervention may prevent permanent damage to the eyes.

Traditional eye medicine practice and its determinant factors among ophthalmic patients in the West Bank

“…5 Among the most well-known forms of TEM are herbal extracts, honey, breast milk, soil, human saliva, linseed (Linum usitatissimum), “damakesie” (Ocimum species), potato (Solanum tuberosum), milk, plant extracts, lemon juice, and some dried insect bodies. 6 – 9 …”

“…Traditional medicine is still active in rural Saudi Arabia, India, and Africa. 6 , 7 , 9 , 10 Affordability, low socioeconomic status, and a lack of formal education are the determinants of traditional eye medication use in these communities. 11 Traditional medicine is based on rules of knowledge and practice used to diagnose, prevent, and cure disease.…”

“… 12 Traditional eye medicine are widely practiced in Palestine and the Arab world. 9 A study conducted in the Riyadh region among 1354 participants revealed a high prevalence (37.2%) of self-medication. 13 Another study reported the incidence of self-medicating with traditional eye medicine (TEM) in Taif city to be 35%.…”