Chemical Hair-Dye Use among Patients with Cataract: A Retrospective Observational Study with an Ayurvedic Perspective
Author : Rajanna M, Chaitra VS, Shruthi K and Manjunath Pujeri
Abstract :
Background: Cataract is a major cause of visual impairment worldwide. In Ayurveda, certain features of cataract have been described under Kaphaja Kacha, a condition among the Drishtigata Netra Rogas. Chemical hair dyes contain compounds such as para-phenylenediamine (PPD), aromatic amines, and oxidizing agents; however, their potential association with cataract remains inadequately explored.
Objective: To assess the pattern of chemical hair-dye use and evaluate its association with cataract among individuals aged 30–60 years.
Material and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted among individuals aged 30–60 years of either gender diagnosed with pre-senile or senile cataract. Participants were recruited from the Shalakya Tantra outpatient and inpatient departments and community-based medical camps. Based on exposure history, participants were categorized into an exposed group and a comparison group. The exposed group comprised individuals using permanent or semi-permanent chemical hair dyes at least once every two months for a minimum of four consecutive years, while the comparison group included non-users or individuals with negligible lifetime exposure. Data regarding demographic characteristics, frequency and duration of hair-dye use, ocular findings, and cataract status were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.
Results: A higher prevalence of cataract, including pre-senile cataract, was observed among habitual chemical hair-dye users compared with non-users. The observed pattern suggested an association between prolonged hair-dye exposure and cataract occurrence, with age, gender, frequency, and duration of exposure considered in the analysis.
Conclusion: Prolonged chemical hair-dye use may be associated with cataract occurrence, including pre-senile cataract. Further well-designed analytical and prospective studies are warranted to establish the strength and nature of this association and to explore potentially modifiable risk factors for cataract.
Keywords :
Cataract, Kaphaja Kacha, ammonia, Prevalence of cataract in hair dye users and non-hair dye users, paraphenylenediamine.
