PRACTISE AND USE OF OVER-THE-COUNTER TOPICAL AND TRADITIONAL EYE MEDICINES AND THEIR EFFECTS IN FUNGAL KERATITIS CASES IN TERTIARY TEACHING HOSPITAL IN NORTHERN INDIA

Kanchan bala Rathore; Kiran J Dange; Gaurav A Patil

doi:10.22159/ajpcr.2024.v17i3.49534

Authors

Kanchan bala Rathore Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Symbiosis Medical College for Women, Symbiosis International (Deemed) University, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Kiran J Dange Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Symbiosis Medical College for Women, Symbiosis International (Deemed) University, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Gaurav A Patil Consultant, Department of Ophthalmology, K.K. Eye Institute, Pune, Maharashtra, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22159/ajpcr.2024.v17i3.49534

Keywords:

over the counter, eye medicines, TEM

Abstract

Objective: The study goal is to evaluate the utilization and misuse of over-the-counter topical and traditional eye medications and their associated adverse effects in cases of fungal keratitis (FK) among patients.

Methods: The research was conducted in the past 36 months at a tertiary teaching hospital in Northern India. All subjects provided informed consent, and the institutional ethical committee granted ethical approval. The study involved 127 cases of FK, clinically diagnosed and confirmed by a 10% KOH mount.

Results: Among the baseline characteristics, 51 (40.18%) of the samples were in a 41–60-year-old age group; 78 (61.42%) were male; 116 (91.34%) were from rural areas; 114 (89.76%) had low socioeconomic status; 108 (85.4%) were illiterate; and 50 (39.37%) were farmers. According to visual acuity ratings, at the time of presentation, 57.48% of the patients had vision up to 1/60. In terms of over-the-counter medication usage, 109 (85.82%) respondents used them for the treatment of keratitis, with 64 (61.46%) using steroid drops. In the case of traditional eye medicines, 18 (14.18%) respondents used them, with 5 (27.11%) using milk and ghee.

Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of addressing the misuse of over-the-counter and traditional eye medications in cases of FK and advocating for public health interventions to ensure rational and safe eye medication practices.

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Author Biography

Kiran J Dange, Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Symbiosis Medical College for Women, Symbiosis International (Deemed) University, Pune, Maharashtra, India.

Assistant Professor , Dermatology

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