Bee sting of the cornea and conjunctiva: management and outcomes

To present the clinical features, management, and outcomes of 4 cases of bee sting injury to the cornea and conjunctiva.

Clinical features, external photographs, treatment, and outcomes of 4 cases of ocular bee stings are presented.

In 3 cases, the stinger of the bee was retained on the cornea, and in 1 case, it was retained on the conjunctiva. One of the 3 corneal sting patients was stung on the laser in situ keratomileusis flap margin, which resulted in a partial tear of the flap. Retained bee stings were removed immediately in all 4 cases, and topical antibiotics were applied with adjuvant treatment. All patients had good visual outcomes without severe complications at follow-up.

Ocular surface bee stings with retained stingers are rarely reported. A potential triad of penetrating, immunologic, and toxic injury must be taken into consideration. Vision can be restored by early removal of the sting and topical medication.