Toxic Keratoconjunctivitis from Coral Reef

Abstract

A 25-year-old woman presented with right eye pain, lid edema, conjunctival injection and chemosis, and mild corneal epitheliopathy after exposure to fluid content from an aquarium coral reef. Topical moxifloxacin and prednisolone were started 4 times daily, with full clinical resolution after 2 weeks. Toxin-mediated keratoconjunctivitis may occur after exposure to zoanthid coral reef, particularly in aquarium enthusiasts. Topical corticosteroids in tandem with topical antibiotics appear to be effective in mild disease. However, in severe cases that exhibit corneal infiltrates and stromal thinning, close observation is warranted in case of possible keratolysis.

Keywords

• coral
• zoanthid
• aquarium
• palytoxin
• toxic keratoconjunctivitis