Ocular injury from the venom of the Southern walkingstick

Ophthalmology. 2001 Jan;108(1):190-1. doi: 10.1016/s0161-6420(00)00432-2.

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of severe conjunctival and corneal epithelial defects resulting from exposure to the venom of the Southern walkingstick, Anisomorpha buprestoides.

Design: Case report.

Intervention: The patient was treated with cyclopentolate 1% and underwent daily examinations until the corneal and conjunctival epithelial defects resolved.

Main outcome measure: Resolution of corneal and conjunctival epithelial defects.

Results: The corneal and conjunctival epithelial defects slowly resolved over 6 days. Visual acuity improved to 20/20 in the affected eye. No residual corneal scarring was evident.

Conclusions: Slowly resolving corneal and conjunctival epithelial defects can occur from direct contact with the venom from the Southern walkingstick, A. buprestoides; therefore, this insect should be approached with caution.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arthropod Venoms / adverse effects*
  • Child
  • Conjunctival Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Conjunctival Diseases / drug therapy
  • Corneal Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Corneal Diseases / drug therapy
  • Cyclopentolate / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Insect Bites and Stings / chemically induced*
  • Insect Bites and Stings / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Mydriatics / therapeutic use
  • Orthoptera*

Substances

  • Arthropod Venoms
  • Mydriatics
  • Cyclopentolate