I had a scare last week, and I hope others can learn from my experience. One afternoon, my eyes suddenly started burning and tearing. I washed them with artificial tears and used a cold wet compress and they seemed okay. However, a bit later my world became extremely foggy although my husband, Harry, assured me the air was perfectly clear.
When I got to our eye doctor the next morning, the only letter I could see on the eye chart was the largest letter at the top. The diagnosis was cornea swelling in both eyes. I finally realized I had first felt the symptoms shortly after cutting some of my Tropical Milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) to feed Monarch caterpillars (Danaus plexippus).
My backyard milkweeds: 1. Non-native Tropical Milkweed (Asclepias curassavica). Kentucky native milkweeds: 2. Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), 3. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), 4. Purple Milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens), 5. Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca).
Research revealed that the sap of Tropical Milkweed causes severe eye problems and others have had similar experiences: link 1 and link 2. Apparently all milkweed sap is cause for caution, but Tropical Milkweed is especially dangerous.
I like fog and the impressionistic effect it creates, as in this backyard image.
However, I want the fog to be in the atmosphere and not the result of poor vision. I’m extremely happy to say that my sight is now close to normal and I expect a full recovery.
This was a frightening experience and I have a new appreciation for my eyes and the ability to see. I had no idea milkweed could cause eye problems. I’m reporting my story in hopes of preventing others from having a similar experience.
Monarchs must have milkweeds to survive and I will continue to grow them. My Tropical Milkweeds have attracted more Monarchs than any of my other milkweeds this year and I will plant them again. However, I will treat them with high respect and caution.
The tropical milkweed is so bright and beautiful. I plan to grow some, too, to add to my narrow leaved, swamp and butterfly milkweeds. Can you save me some seeds? However, because of your experience, I will be ultra careful. I am so delighted that your eyes will be back to good health soon!
Glad you’re still willing to grow it, Ann, and I’ll be glad to share some seeds.
Glad you’re OK. Many, many thanks for passing along your experiential knowledge and wisdom.
Yes, Steve, this is one piece of knowledge I’d have been glad to learn other than by experience. However, I’m now glad to help others be informed.
The girls were trying to tell me about this. So glad you figured it out and your vision is back to normal. How scary! We will be sure to be extra cautious when handling our milkweed.
Yes, Regina, extra caution will certainly be my response.
So glad you are OK. I will definitely not plant this at the school garden
Thanks, Linda. I, too, would be hesitant to use it in a garden for young children.
That is very interesting……..I also recently had some sight issues with floaters and flashing lights. I now wonder if there is a connection?
Christine, my only symptoms were tearing, burning, and very foggy vision. And those are the symptoms that I’ve seen reported in other accounts. Floaters and flashing lights sound like something different to me.
Flashing lights and floaters are connected. The flashing can occur during tissue separating inside the eye – the floaters are the loose bits of tissue floating around in the ocular fluid. I had this recently and an eye doctor said its something that can happen with age, but can also be a concern if the part tearing is near the retina. You might go see an eye doctor about this.
Thanks, Dave.Guess I didn’t make myself clear. I meant that floaters and flashing lights sounded different than the burning, tearing, and fogginess I had experienced.
Glad you are back to almost normal vision and that there were no permanent problems. That could have been terrible!
Vision is now normal. Soooo good to be able to read again..
Vision is now normal. Soooo good to be able to read again..
Goodness, Betty! Here I thought your backyard was benign, except for an occasional wasp, or maybe a bee! The worst I would have expected would be a few sneezes!
Yes, David, I have a new respect for the possible “dangers” that can be lurking out there. ☺
Betty:
That was a scary experience – thanks for letting us know to treat that plant with caution. Glad you are on the mend.
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Thanks for the advice. I too had this happen yesterday and never suspected the milkweed until I did some searching on the internet. Your post was one of them that helped get me to the doctor to get some help for an otherwise scary situation! Thanks
Michelle, sorry to hear that you had the problem with milkweed. But glad my post was helpful. I really appreciate you letting me know. Best wishes .