Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: Case Report PURPOSE: To report a case of custard apple seed powder induced keratitis
METHODS: A girl aged thirteen years presented with burning, watering, redness in both eyes and severe photophobia.
RESULTS: Corneal staining revealed bilateral epithelial defects. She was given thorough eye wash and patched with antibiotic and cycloplegic ointment for a day followed by topical antibiotic and lubricating drops. The cornea healed uneventfully by day 3 with full visual recovery. CONCLUSION: In traditional medicine, custard apple seed powder has been used for treatment of head lice and skin exfoliation. The plant extract contains steroids, terpenoids, alkaloid, phenolic compounds and acetogenins which can lead to keratitis on exposure. Timely management with thorough wash followed by topical antibiotics and lubricating drops will give good prognosis. Custard apple seed powder induced keratitis should be considered as a possible cause of non-traumatic corneal epitheliopathy.