The bee sting and the eye: A case report of an ab-externo sting removal technique

Abstract

Bee stings are a rare form of ocular trauma with the ocular sequelae attributable to the mechanical effects of the stinger as well as the inflammatory and neurotoxic effects of the venom. This research reports on a case of a retained corneal bee stinger and the technique used for removal of the stinger. This case report is of a patient that presented with a retained corneal bee stinger to St John Eye Hospital, Soweto. A 45-year-old male presented with a retained bee sting in the anterior chamber angle of the eye. A combination ab-externo technique was used to remove the sting. We present the case of a honey bee sting to the cornea that was removed using an ab-externo technique to maintain globe integrity and preserve vision.