Protect Your Eyes: One Houseplant to Avoid

Sometimes stuff happens and accidents occur. Out of the blue. Totally unpredictable. When you are not in control the best you can do is to react calmly and intelligently to unexpected events.

What about things you can control?

There is a common houseplant that can cause serious eye problems if it gets too close to you. No, I'm not writing about a cactus (also bad news). I want you to know about the Dieffenbachia, also called Mother-in-Law plant. Experienced gardeners know that the milky sap from this plant is extremely toxic. If a leaf makes contact with the mouth there can be a dangerous allergic reaction that could threaten the airways.

Ophthalmologists are also concerned because the sap is loaded with calcium oxalate crystals. If a Dieffenbachia branch or stem is broken (as happens with everyday plant care) special cells spray sap in a projectile fashion. The crystals can penetrate intact skin, mucus membranes and the clear cornea. Think of it like horticultural shrapnel. Victims experience immediate burning eye discomfort and blurry vision that worsens with time. If often takes a week or longer for the eye to recover.

Don't let your green thumb lead to a painful red eye. If you care for any plant with milky sap always wear eye protection and be sure to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water afterwards.

Related Links: Eye Injuries Twice as Common in Men, Objects in the Eye

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