Management of corneal bee sting

Hassan Razmjoo^1,2, Mohammad-Ali Abtahi^1,2,4, Peyman Roomizadeh^1,3, Zahra Mohammadi^1,2, Seyed-Hossein Abtahi^1,3,4
1Medical School, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (IUMS); ²Ophthalmology Ward, Feiz Hospital, IUMS; ³Isfahan Medical Students Research Center (IMSRC), IUMS; ⁴Isfahan Ophthalmology Research Center (IORC), Feiz Hospital, IUMS, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract: Corneal bee sting is an uncommon environmental eye injury that can result in various ocular complications with an etiology of penetrating, immunologic, and toxic effects of the stinger and its injected venom. In this study we present our experience in the management of a middle-aged male with a right-sided deep corneal bee sting. On arrival, the patient was complaining of severe pain, blurry vision with acuity of 160/200, and tearing, which he had experienced soon after the injury. Firstly, we administered conventional drugs for eye injuries, including topical antibiotic, corticosteroid, and cycloplegic agents. After 2 days, corneal stromal infiltration and edema developed around the site of the sting, and visual acuity decreased to 100/200. These conditions led us to remove the stinger surgically. Within 25 days of follow-up, the corneal infiltration decreased gradually, and visual acuity improved to 180/200. We suggest a two-stage management approach for cases of corneal sting. For the first stage, if the stinger is readily accessible or primary dramatic reactions, including infiltration, especially on the visual axis, exist, manual or surgical removal would be indicated. Otherwise, we recommend conventional treatments for eye injuries. Given this situation, patients should be closely monitored for detection of any worsening. If the condition does not resolve or even deteriorates, for the second stage, surgical removal of the stinger under local or generalized anesthesia is indicated.

Keywords: bee sting, stinger, cornea, removal, management, surgery