Ocular surface manifestations of ophthalmia nodosa from caterpillar setae

ABSTRACT

Objective@#To report three consecutive cases of ophthalmia nodosa due to caterpillar hair (setae). @*Methods@#This is a brief report.@*Results@#Three cases of ocular surface injury with history of contact with caterpillar setae are reported. The first case is that of a child with right upper lid swelling, papillary conjunctivitis, and setae embedded in the upper palpebral conjunctiva causing multiple distinct linear abrasions on the cornea. The second patient was an adult male who had setae embedded in the corneal stroma, palpebral conjunctiva, and bulbar conjunctiva, resulting in corneal epithelial defect and a conjunctival granuloma. The last was an adult male who had a subconjunctival hemorrhage due to setae penetration. All were managed with setae removal, topical antibiotic and steroid eyedrops, and other symptomatic treatment strategies as needed.@*Conclusion@#Clinical features of ophthalmia nodosa vary depending on the site of setae penetration. Meticulous setae removal is key to successful management in addition to inflammation control and infection prophylaxis.