Homeopathic Agents or Vitamins in Reducing Ecchymosis after Oculofacial Surgery: A Report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology

Jeremiah P. Tao, Vinay K. Aakalu, Suzanne K. Freitag, Rachel K. Sobel, Jill A. Foster, Edward J. Wladis, Timothy J. McCulley, Michael T. Yen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: To review the published literature to determine the efficacy and safety of homeopathic agents or vitamins in reducing ecchymosis after oculofacial surgery or laser surgery. Methods: A literature search was conducted in the PubMed database initially in December 2019 and updated in March 2020 to identify all studies in the English language literature on the use of homeopathic agents or vitamins in oculofacial procedures, including laser surgery. The search yielded 124 citations, and 11 articles met all inclusion criteria for this assessment. A panel methodologist then assigned a level of evidence rating for each study. Eleven studies met inclusion criteria; 9 were rated level I, and 2 were rated level III. Results: The agents studied in the articles identified included oral or topical Arnica montana (AM), oral Melilotus extract, topical vitamin K oxide, and topical AM combined with Rhododendron tomentosum. Metrics to describe ecchymosis varied. In 7 controlled studies, perioperative AM provided no or negligible benefit versus placebo. In 2 studies, vitamin K cream was equivalent to placebo. One study of oral Melilotus extract had less ecchymosis compared with controls in paranasal and eyelid ecchymosis at postoperative day (POD) 7, but not at PODs 1 and 4. A lone cohort study of combined topical AM and R. tomentosum lacked objective metrics and adequate controls. No serious side effects from administration of homeopathic agents or vitamins were identified. Conclusions: The current literature does not support the use of AM, vitamin K oxide, R. tomentosum, or Melilotus extract for reducing ecchymosis after oculofacial surgery or pulsed dye laser surgery.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)220-226
Number of pages7
JournalOphthalmology
Volume129
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2022

Keywords

  • Arnica montana
  • Ledum palustre
  • Melilotus
  • Rhododendrum tomentosum
  • bruising
  • contusion
  • facial healing
  • purpura.
  • vitamin K oxide

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ophthalmology

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