Document Type : Case reports

Authors

• Xin-Xuan Dai ¹
• Ji-Long Hao ¹
• Dan-Dan Zhou ²
• Si-Ying Teng ¹
• Peng Hui ¹
• Cheng-Wei Lu ¹

¹ Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China

² Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China

Abstract

Introduction: Bee sting to the cornea is a relatively rare environmental injury that can result in vision loss of different degrees. This study aimed to review the clinical features, pathogenesis, and management of keratopathy caused by corneal bee sting and present a case of keratitis with hypopyon and iridocyclitis secondary to bee sting injury without a retained stinger.
Case Presentation: A 47-year-old man was presented for eyelid edema, severe pain, redness, and impaired vision following a corneal bee sting. On examination, we observed striate keratitis, focal infiltration with diffuse corneal edema, and iridocyclitis under the slit lamp. We also noted trace cells and empyema in the anterior chamber prompted by infection. No retained stinger was detected. A treatment strategy with corticosteroids in combination with broad-spectrum topical antibiotics started and the symptoms re- solved significantly. At a three-week follow-up, the cornea restored transparency without complications and visual acuity main-
tained 20/20.
Conclusions: Following bee sting injury, it is crucial to monitor the progression, manifestations, and development of inflamma- tion and infection. Individual timing, symptoms, severity, and complications vary in each case due to various compositions of bee venom. Therefore, assessment and careful follow-up of evolving manifestations may lead to better therapeutic decisions.

Keywords

• Keratitis
• Bee Sting
• Iris Discoloration
• Treatment