Corneal thinning induced by self-administered alum substance: A case report and analysis of the active components

• Published in: Middle East African journal of ophthalmology Vol. 27; no. 1; pp. 59 - 61
• Main Authors: Al-Ghadeer, Huda, Al-Amry, Mohammed
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Riyadh Wolters Kluwer India Pvt. Ltd 01-01-2020; Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd; Wolters Kluwer - Medknow
• Subjects: Aluminum; Care and treatment; Case Report; Case reports; Case studies; Cornea; Corneal diseases; Diagnosis; Electron microscopy; Folk medicine; Histamine; Industrialized nations; Medicine; Microscopy; Potassium; Public schools; Middle East; Saudi Arabia; Asia; visual impairment; corneal toxicity; Alum; herbal medicine; corneal thinning
• ISSN: 0974-9233; 0975-1599; 0975-1599; 0974-9233
• DOI: 10.4103/meajo.MEAJO_215_19

We report a case of severe ocular injury and impaired vision after self-administration of alum. A 56-year-old female administered an alum substance in the left eye and experienced severe corneal thinning, a scar, and decreased vision. The active compounds in the alum substance were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. When topically administered, alum may cause severe ocular injury. Public awareness, early recognition of the injuries, and timely intervention may prevent permanent ocular damage.