Tarantula keratouveitis

Purpose. To report a case of chronic bilateral keratouveitis, which was ini tiated after contact with a pet tarantula. Methods. A 16-year-old male pres ented with a photophobia and redness of his eyes two days after handling a tarantula. He was found to have a number of linear corneal foreign bodies w ith subepithelial infiltrates. The infiltrates were found at varying levels of the corneal stroma with deposits on the endothelium. The anterior chamb er had a mild cellular reaction. Results. He was treated with topical stero id drops, which made him asymptomatic. However, he continued to have a mild persistent keratitis and iritis four months after the onset. Conclusion. T arantula hairs may be associated with a chronic keratouveitis, which is usu ally selflimiting and responds well to treatment with topical steroids. Tar antula pet owners should be forewarned of the ocular dangers associated wit h handling these spiders.