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


METHODS
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.
Wang
Lillian
L
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY USA.
Del Priore
Lucian V
LV
D029792:Arctostaphylos / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D006801:Humans; D008266:Macula Lutea / Q000187:drug effects*; D008543:Melanins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D013662:Tea; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000187:drug effects
D008543:Melanins; D013662:Tea