Clinical and Optical Coherence Tomography Features of Ophthalmia Nodosa Type V: A Case Report

Type V ophthalmia nodosa refers to intravitreal and/or intraretinal penetration of insect setae, which can lead to recurrent intraocular inflammation often requiring surgical removal along with systemic steroids. This report covers the case of a young man who presented with multiple intraretinal embedded setae following ocular trauma with insect. The condition was managed conservatively with oral and topical steroids alone, with sustained resolution of inflammation and no need for surgery. Unexpectedly, almost all intraretinal setae resolved without scarring or pigmentation. This case contributes novel optical coherence tomography imaging features and offers clinical support for a noninvasive approach as first-line treatment of type V ophthalmia nodosa. It also leaves open questions about the behavior and resolution of intraocular setae.