Cornea 2008-May
Corneal endothelial cytotoxicity of the Calotropis procera (ushaar) plant.
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Keywords
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To report 6 eyes of 5 patients with transient corneal edema after exposure to the milky latex of Calotropis procera (ushaar).
METHODS
Interventional case series.
RESULTS
Intracorneal penetration of ushaar latex can lead to permanent endothelial cell loss with morphologic alteration. Corneal edema resolved completely in approximately 2 weeks in all cases, despite reduced endothelial cell count and abnormal morphology.
CONCLUSIONS
Corneal endothelial toxicity of ushaar latex is caused by its ability to penetrate the corneal stroma and induce permanent loss of endothelial cells. Corneal edema resolves if sufficient endothelial cell viability is still present after resolution of ushaar keratitis.
