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


METHODS
Case report.


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


METHODS
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.
Paysse
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EA
Department of Ophthalmology, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. epaysse@bcm.tmc.edu
Holder
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S
Coats
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DK
D000818:Animals; D001180:Arthropod Venoms / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D003229:Conjunctival Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D003519:Cyclopentolate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007299:Insect Bites and Stings / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D009184:Mydriatics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009987:Orthoptera
D001180:Arthropod Venoms; D009184:Mydriatics; D003519:Cyclopentolate