Traditional methods used in the treatment of ophthalmic diseases among the Turkana tribe in north west Kenya.
A survey of traditional methods used in the treatment of ophthalmic diseases was conducted among the Turkana tribe in north-west Kenya. The data was collected from people who suffered from chronic eye diseases. Most of the remedies were prepared from plants and fruits because of their availability in the Turkana region. Some of the other remedies were prepared from animal sources. Most people reported worsening of their eye problems, probably due to improper or unhygienic applications. The collected data can be an example of use of traditional eye treatment in remote African arid and semi-arid areas.
Loewenthal
R
R
Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.
Pe'er
J
J
D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000208:ethnology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007630:Kenya / Q000208:ethnology; D016488:Medicine, African Traditional; D010946:Plants, Medicinal