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.