Ocular lesions arising after stings by hymenopteran insects

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the ocular lesions that occur after stings from hymenopteran insects.

Methods: We examined the ocular alterations in five patients who suffered ocular trauma from hymenopteran insect stings.

Results: In 4 cases where the insect was identified as a wasp, all the patients presented with persistent corneal decompensation and two presented with total cataract, requiring surgical treatment. In the case of trauma by a bee sting, the patient presented with corneal edema and an inflammatory reaction of the anterior chamber with total regression of these alterations after clinical treatment.

Conclusion: Although a rare occurrence, ocular trauma caused by hymenopteran insects can result in severe ocular alterations in humans.