Corneal Injury by Bee Sting with Retained Stinger - A Case Report
Siriwan Chinwattanakul MD*, Pinnita Prabhasawat MD*, Pipat Kongsap MD**
Affiliation : * Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University ** Department of Ophthalmology, Prapokklao Hospital, Chanthaburi Province
Objective : To report a rare case of corneal injury by bee sting with its complication and management.
Materials and Methods : A 3-year-old boy, who was attacked by a swarm of bees, was referred for the right eye’s
corneal ulcer evaluation.
Results : Two stingers were found and completely removed with jeweler forceps. Corneal epithelial defect,
corneal edema, secondary bacterial keratitis, heterochromia iridis, and internal ophthalmoplegia were iden-
tified. The corneal edema markedly improved 3 days after removing the retained bee stingers and treatment by
topical antibiotics and steroids. The patient was evaluated after 1 week and 1 month and was found with
permanent central corneal scar, particularly at the area corresponding to the retained stinger. The patient
had subsequently localized traumatic anterior subcapsular cataract corresponding to where the stinger had
penetrated the lens.
Conclusion : Corneal bee sting injury is an uncommon ocular trauma, but can result in severe sight threaten-
ing complication. Even though the response of corneal edema is well inclined to topical steroid, awareness in
adjusting the clinical treatment for the particular case needs a scrutinized investigation of the infection.
Keywords : Bee sting, Stinger, Corneal ulcer, Corneal injury, Cornea
