Sudden blurring of vision and micropsia following acute hot pepper consumption: A case report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31989/bchd.v7i12.1487Abstract
Background: Retinal hemorrhages are typically considered a major ocular diagnostic sign of underlying systemic vascular disorder. Capsaicin is a bioactive component of chili peppers used in most countries. Capsaicin crosses the blood–brain barrier in an efficient manner. Exposure to dietary capsaicinoids is frequent and often considerable. The presumed lack of capsaicin toxicity in the diet does not rule out the possibility of rare adverse effects on the central nervous system, particularly the retina, as outlined in this report.
Objective: The purpose of this case report is to describe the ocular issues occurring to a man who developed retinal hemorrhage following overconsumption of hot chili.
Methods: A case of a 34-year-old man, who reported sudden blurring of vision and micropsia in his left eye following ingestion of a considerable amount of red pepper.
Results: The case study suggests that acute or chronic consumption of substantial amounts of hot red pepper in individuals with high reactivity towards TRPV1 agonists and/or higher expression of TRPV1 receptors in retinal ganglion cells causes retinal neovascularization.
Conclusion: Acute consumption of large amounts of red pepper in susceptible individuals may harm vision.
Keywords: Capsaicin; Red Chili; Retinal hemorrhage; Optometry; Micropsia
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