Citation

Lim CHL. J. Emerg. Med. 2019; 56(6): 698-700.

Affiliation

School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Ophthalmology, National University Health System, Singapore; Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jemermed.2019.01.022

PMID

30904382

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A variety of insect-related ocular injuries have been reported in the literature. However, no reports have been published documenting injuries resulting from exposure of the ocular surface to ants. This is surprising, given the relatively ubiquitous presence of ants. This is the first known case report to describe various techniques utilized in the removal of ants from the ocular surface. CASE REPORT: This case report details the presentation of a distressed 24-year-old woman who presented to the Emergency Department with an ocular foreign body associated with pain and increased lacrimation. She was identified to have an ant adherent to her conjunctiva. Various techniques of removal were performed, with the ant finally removed without any trauma to underlying tissues.

CONCLUSION: This is the first case report to detail various techniques utilized in the removal of ants from the ocular surface, and discusses salient features that treating physicians should be aware of in managing patients presenting with ant bites.

Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

ant bite; foreign body; insect bite; ocular trauma