Ocular injury from the venom of the Southern walkingstick

Purpose: To report a case of severe conjunctival and corneal epithelial def ects resulting from exposure to the venom of the Southern walkingstick, Ani somorpha buprestoides, Design: Case report, Intervention: The patient was treated with cyclopentolate 1% and underwent daily examinations until the corneal and conjunctival epithelial defects re solved. Main Outcome Measure: Resolution of corneal and conjunctival epithelial def ects. Results: The corneal and conjunctival epithelial defects slowly resolved ov er 6 days. Visual acuity improved to 20/20 in the affected eye. No residual corneal scarring was evident. Conclusions: Slowly resolving corneal and conjunctival epithelial defects c an occur from direct contact with the venom from the Southern walkingstick, A. buprestoides; therefore, this insect should be approached with caution. Ophthalmology 2001;108:190-191 (C) 2001 by the American Academy of Ophthal mology.