Keratoconjunctivitis and Periorbital Edema due to Ecballium elaterium

PURPOSE: To report on a case of keratoconjunctivitis with periorbital edema after accidental exposure to undiluted juice of Ecballium elaterium fruit during the ripening season of this plant. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: Keratoconjunctivitis with Descemet's membrane folds and superficial upper corneal well-defined edematous areas were noted after an Ecballium elaterium fruit burst and its juice splashed into the patient's left eye. Prompt administration of antibiotic and steroid eye drops along with per os antihistamine therapy, resulted in quick regression of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: This report demonstrates the toxic effects of this herb to the eye and also that prompt therapy is effective.