E A Paysse1, S Holder, D K Coats. 1. Department of Ophthalmology, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. epaysse@bcm.tmc.edu
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.
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.
Authors: Aaron T Dossey; John M Whitaker; Maria Cristina A Dancel; Robert K Vander Meer; Ulrich R Bernier; Marco Gottardo; William R Roush Journal: J Chem Ecol Date: 2012-09-14 Impact factor: 2.626