Corneal injury by wild taro

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Toxicology
• Plant Science

Background:

• Crystalline keratopathy is a rare corneal disease.
• Alocasia macrorrhiza, commonly known as the giant upright elephant ear, contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation and injury.

Observation:

• A case of crystalline keratopathy occurred in a patient following direct eye injury.
• Examination revealed needle-like crystals within the corneal stroma.

Findings:

• The corneal crystals were identified as originating from Alocasia macrorrhiza exposure.
• Confocal microscopy confirmed the presence and subsequent disappearance of these crystals.

Implications:

• This case highlights a novel cause of toxic crystalline keratopathy.
• Understanding plant-induced ocular injuries is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and management.