Caterpillar induced kerato-conjunctivitis

Caterpillar hairs disseminated by the wind can cause serious ocular problems in man. Although this ocular injury was already described in the past century, caterpillar keratoconjunctivitis remains occasional. A recent case of caterpillar keratoconjunctivitis will be described. The conjunctiva as well as the surrounding skin was involved in a huge erythematous rash. Since caterpillar hairs are equipped with barbed hooks, they can easily penetrate soft tissue and thus are very difficult to remove. Recurrent inflammatory reactions lasting for months and resulting in a granulomatous disease, is the rule. The name of keratitis nodosum was given to the granulomatous reaction, secondary to the presence of caterpillar hairs in corneal tissue.