Bull's-eye maculopathy secondary to herbal toxicity from uva ursi

Am J Ophthalmol. 2004 Jun;137(6):1135-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2004.01.004.

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of bilateral bull's-eye maculopathy in a patient who ingested uva ursi, a known inhibitor of melanin synthesis, for 3 years before the onset of symptoms.

Design: Observational case report.

Methods: Both eyes of a female patient were examined in the clinical practice setting.

Results: A 56-year-old woman who ingested uva ursi for 3 years noted a decrease in visual acuity within the past year. Ocular examination including fluorescein angiography revealed a typical bull's-eye maculopathy bilaterally.

Conclusions: Uva ursi is a known inhibitor of melanin synthesis. It is necessary to broaden the list of potential retinal toxic drugs to include herbal adjuvants such as Uva Ursi and to elicit a history of their use in patients with unexplained ocular findings.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Arctostaphylos / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Humans
  • Macula Lutea / drug effects*
  • Melanins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Middle Aged
  • Phytotherapy / adverse effects*
  • Retinal Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Tea
  • Urinary Tract Infections / prevention & control
  • Visual Acuity / drug effects

Substances

  • Melanins
  • Tea