Certain Supplements May Be Harmful to Eyes

Certain Supplements May Be Harmful to Eyes

PORTLAND, Ore.--Certain dietary supplements may cause damage to the eyes, according to a retrospective observational case series published in the October issue of the American Journal of Ophthalmology (138, 4:639-647, 2004) (www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/00029394).

The case series consisted of reports of ocular side effects or systemic side effects from medications used for the eye from herbal medicines and nutritional supplements, gathered from accounts submitted to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Registry of Drug-Induced Ocular Side Effects. Additional literature from around the world was reviewed to obtain additional case reports and insight into adverse ocular reactions. Data were collected on age, gender, duration of therapy, concomitant medications, dosage, and dechallenge and rechallenge results.

Canthaxanthine, chamomile, Datura, Echinacea, Ginkgo, licorice, niacin and vitamin A were linked with clinically significant ocular side effects. However, the report noted the largest number of adverse reports--71 total--were linked to niacin; an inquiry to the author regarding the significance of the incidences versus total use in the population had not been returned.

At the bottom line, the report underscores what many supplement companies have suggested--that anyone using dietary supplements discuss their use with their medical practitioners. According to the report's author, herbal medicines and nutritional supplements can cause ocular side effects. "Clinicians need to recognize these adverse events because a large segment of the population uses them, many times without the treating physician's knowledge," he stated.