Corneal injury by bee sting with retained stinger - A case report

Abstract

Objective: To report a rare case of corneal injury by bee sting with its complication and management. Material and Method: 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 identified. 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 threatening 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.