Caterpillar setae in the deep cornea and anterior chamber

PURPOSE: To report a case of caterpillar setae embedded in the deep cornea and anterior chamber. METHODS: A 26-year-old man was struck in his right eye by a caterpillar (De ndrolimus punctatus walker), Severe conjunctival injection, chemosis, and e rosion of the cornea developed immediately. Numerous setae fragments were f ound to be embedded into the palpebral conjunctiva and deep cornea, extendi ng into the anterior chamber near the anterior iris surface. RESULTS: After partial removal of the setae under a microscope, the inflamm ation subsided and visual acuity improved to RE: 20/20. CONCLUSION: Caterpillar setae are sharp enough to penetrate the cornea and extend into the anterior chamber. (C) 2000 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rig hts reserved.