From Temple to Emergency Room: A Chemical Injury Case Report

Calotropis is a small perennial plant that is native to regions with tropical climates in countries like India, where it is found throughout the country. The leaves of the Calotropis plant have been used as an offering to gods since ancient times. Accidental contact with the sap of the plant, called latex, can lead to eye injury and affect vision significantly if left untreated. However, if treated in time and appropriately, vision can be restored. A 30-year-old gentleman reported to emergency medicine with accidental contact in his right eye with Calotropis plant sap. He had complaints of blurring of vision, foreign body sensation, and intolerance to light. On ocular examination, there was conjunctival congestion with corneal edema with Descemet's membrane folds. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the right eye was 6/18 parts not improving on the pinhole. The patient was started on systemic and topical antibiotics, topical steroids, and lubricating drops immediately. After two months of treatment, the vision improved gradually, the BCVA in the right eye was 6/6, and the patient was asymptomatic. This is a case report of an uncommon injury due to plant sap, with grave consequences if left untreated. Early intervention and prompt medical management led to recovery in a short time period.