Related Experiment Videos
Tarantula keratouveitis.
P Watts1, R Mcpherson, N R Hawksworth
1Department of Ophthalmology, East Glamorgan General Hospital, Church Village, Mid Glamorgan, UK.
Cornea
|June 1, 2000
Summary
Contact with pet tarantulas can cause chronic eye inflammation (keratouveitis) in humans. Prompt treatment with steroid drops can resolve symptoms, but owners should be aware of potential ocular risks.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Ocular injuries from exotic pets are increasingly reported.
- Tarantulas possess urticating hairs that can cause irritation and inflammation.
Observation:
- A 16-year-old male developed photophobia and redness after handling a pet tarantula.
- Examination revealed linear corneal foreign bodies, subepithelial infiltrates, and anterior chamber inflammation.
Findings:
- The patient was treated with topical steroids, leading to asymptomatic resolution.
- However, mild persistent keratitis and iritis were noted four months post-exposure.
Implications:
- Tarantula hairs can induce chronic keratouveitis, typically self-limiting.
- Ocular exposure necessitates prompt ophthalmologic evaluation and steroid treatment.
- Pet owners should be educated on the risks of handling tarantulas.