[The effect of the sap of Euphorbiaceae on the eye]

Ocular inflammations caused by the latex of euphorbiaceae manifest themselves as lid swelling, severe conjunctivitis, keratitis and iritis with hypopyon. As therapy, the local application of corticosteroids is recommended. In severely affected cases intravenous injections of Sandosten-Calcium and Solu-Dacortin (Merck) are indicated. The caustic effect of euphorbia cyparissias is caused by phorbol acid and phorbol acid ester. On the Canary Islands, the latex of euphorbiaceae is quickly removed by drop application of the sap of aeonium lindleyi, family crassulaceae. In the past, the sap of sempervivum tectorum which also belongs to the crassulaceae, was used as a household remedy for ocular inflammations.