Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026
07:28
Corneal Epithelial Abrasion with Ocular Burr As a Model for Cornea Wound Healing
Published on: July 10, 2018
Tarantula hairs as corneal foreign bodies
Brian C Stagg1, Balamurali K Ambati
1University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
Case Reports in Ophthalmology
|November 30, 2011
Summary
Tarantula hairs in the cornea caused irritation in a teen. Prompt removal of these foreign bodies and topical steroid treatment led to symptom resolution, highlighting effective management for this rare ocular condition.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Veterinary Ophthalmology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Ocular irritation can arise from unusual foreign bodies.
- Pet tarantulas pose unique risks to owners' eye health.
Observation:
- A 16-year-old male experienced persistent right eye irritation after his pet tarantula crawled on his face.
- Slit-lamp examination revealed approximately 16 hair-like foreign bodies in the nasal cornea.
Findings:
- Surgical removal of the corneal foreign bodies using forceps was performed.
- The patient received a topical antibiotic-corticosteroid ointment (neomycin, polymyxin B, and dexamethasone).
- Symptoms resolved completely within two weeks of treatment.
Implications:
- Prompt diagnosis through detailed history and slit-lamp examination is crucial.
- Conservative management involving foreign body removal and topical steroids is effective for tarantula hair-induced keratitis.
- Awareness of potential ocular hazards from exotic pets is important for public health education.
