Endoscopic visualization-assisted corneal bee sting removal

Abstract

Purpose: Deeply embedded corneal foreign bodies and intrastromal foreign body removal can often be a challenge. The aim of this report was to describe the utility of endoscopy in visualization and removal of an embedded corneal bee stinger. Methods: A 44-year-old male patient developed toxic keratopathy after injury from a bee stinger. On examination, the bee stinger was noted to be deeply embedded in the corneal stroma. A superficial keratectomy was initially attempted; however, the stinger was noted to be intrastromal and protruding into the anterior chamber and could not be removed. An Endoscopy-assisted visualization was used to remove the stinger. Results: The bee stinger was successfully removed and the patient's vision improved to 20/100 from an initial CFCF (counting fingers close to face) at time of presentation. At the end of 3 months follow-up, there was residual corneal edema along with cataractous changes in the lens as a sequelae of the initial bee sting injury. The patient subsequently underwent an endothelial keratoplasty along with phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation and the final BCVA improved to 20/40. Conclusion: Endoscopyassisted visualisation of anterior chamber and angle structures can be valuable in removal of retained and deeply embedded corneal or intracameral foreign bodies.

Keywords

• bee sting injury
• embedded corneal foreign body
• endoscopy
• toxic keratitis