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Ocular toxicity caused by toad venom.
José Manuel López-López1, María Rosa Sanabria, Silvia Jiménez de Prada
1Río Hortega Universitary Hospital, Valladolid, Spain.
Cornea
|January 25, 2008
Summary
Ocular toxicity from toad venom caused temporary blurred vision, burning eyes, and corneal edema in a patient. Symptoms and eye pressure resolved within 48 hours with standard treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Ocular toxicity can result from exposure to animal venoms.
- Toad venom contains bufadienolides, which can cause various toxic effects.
Observation:
- A 31-year-old man presented with acute ocular symptoms after contact with toad (Bufo bufo) venom.
- Symptoms included burning pain, photophobia, and blurred vision in both eyes.
- Slit-lamp examination revealed bilateral conjunctival chemosis and corneal edema.
Findings:
- The patient experienced transiently reduced visual acuity and low intraocular pressure (IOP).
- Corneal edema and conjunctival chemosis resolved within 48 hours.
- Intraocular pressure normalized after treatment with topical dexamethasone and cycloplegics.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for bufadienolide-induced ocular toxicity.
- Prompt ophthalmological evaluation and management are crucial for managing venom-induced eye injuries.
- Ocular toad venom toxicity appears to be self-limiting with conservative treatment.
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