Ophthalmologists must be aware of ocular complications from herbal supplements

Although recent studies suggest some benefits from taking dietary supplements, herbal supplements can cause ocular complications, warned a physician speaking here. Ophthalmologists should question patients about their supplement use, he said.

According to Jeffrey Liegner, MD, herbal supplements represent part of a $60 billion industry that is not subject to the same regulatory controls as pharmaceuticals. Due to the lack of oversight, "drug interactions are common, and side effects are frequent," he said, noting ocular side effects are the first to emerge.

Dr. Liegner discussed issues relating to herbal supplement use at the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting. Common herbal treatments, including chamomile tea, Echinacea, ginkgo biloba and vitamin A, can cause ocular side effects, such as blepharitis, eye irritation, spontaneous hyphema and intracranial hemorrhage, respectively, he said.

The widespread use of such supplements is complicated by the fact that only half of patients using the supplements inform their physicians about their use, even when directly asked, Dr. Liegner noted.

In addition, manufacturing processes vary according to manufacturer. The result: "The quality of any of those products is mixed and variable," he said.

"Be wary of patients who use the herbs, and ask," Dr. Liegner said.