Harmful traditional eye practices in Nigeria and its burden on eye care: A review of literature

Abstract

Background/Aim: The use of traditional eye medication (TEM) is an age-long practice whose negative effects on eye health have been well documented. TEM involves the application of different harmful preparations to the eye as a form of treatment. This article is aimed at highlighting the burden of harmful traditional practices on eye care in Nigeria. Methodology: A review of available literature was conducted to summarize the different types of harmful traditional eye practices in Nigeria, including the many different preparations used. Prevalence of harmful traditional practices, determinants, burden in Nigeria. Issues relating to determinants, prevalence, indications for TEM use, presentation of patients with a history of TEM use, ocular complications following TEM use, the pathway to blindness with TEM use, economic burden, and prevention were considered in the review. The prevalence of TEM use was 15.5%, and the common determinants included low socioeconomic status, rural residence, poor access to conventional eye care, and cultural beliefs. The indications for the use of these medications included blurring of vision, red eyes, ocular pain, and itching. Patients who used TEMs presented with various levels of visual impairment (14.5% and 13.1%, respectively, for moderate and severe visual impairment), and 51.3% were reported blind at presentation. The common complications of these agents were corneal scars (opacities), staphylomas, endophthalmitis and panophthalmitis, corneal ulcers and perforations, uveitis, band and bullous keratopathies, complicated cataracts, subluxated lens, and descemetoceles. Conclusion: The prevalence of TEM use, visual impairment, and blindness arising from it is high in Nigeria. The ocular morbidities that follow TEM use constitute a significant burden (economic and otherwise) on eye care delivery in the country. A multipronged approach by stakeholders is required to mitigate the enablers of TEM practice in Nigeria. Furthermore, where there are complications, prompt referral to an ophthalmologist is advocated as they are well-equipped to provide the most appropriate management.