A bee or wasp may rarely sting the cornea, sometimes leaving the stinger apparatus behind.
Reactions may be due to:
(1) venom toxicity
(2) allergic reaction
(3) trauma from the stinger
(4) secondary infection
Clinical features may include:
(1) ocular pain
(2) blurred vision
(3) corneal edema
(4) conjunctival hyperemia
(5) chemosis
(6) epiphora (overflow of tears)
(7) foreign body sensation
If multiple stings were delivered then other areas of the face and body may show a reaction to the venom.
Slit lamp exam of the cornea may show:
(1) a stinger in the cornea
(2) striate keratitis
(3) white corneal infiltrate
If the stinger is present then it should be removed if possible.
