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Leech on the eye: a novel use for hypertonic saline
Christopher Partyka1, Toby Fogg
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia.
Emergency Medicine Australasia : EMA
|March 4, 2009
Summary
Ocular leech attachment is rare but can occur. This study presents a novel removal method using hypertonic saline solution for eye injuries caused by leeches.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Parasitology
- Medical Entomology
Background:
- Human-leech interactions are frequent in Australia.
- Ocular leech infestations are infrequently documented in scientific literature.
Observation:
- A case of ocular leech attachment is presented.
- The leech was attached to the ocular surface.
Findings:
- A previously undocumented method for leech removal was employed.
- Hypertonic saline solution was successfully used to detach the ocular leech.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential risk of ocular injury from leech encounters.
- Hypertonic saline offers a new, effective treatment option for ocular leech infestations.
