Isolated ocular injury due to spitting cobra's venom
- Author:
Azimuddin Azim SIRAJ
;
Nayan JOSHI
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Spitting Cobras;
Snake Venoms;
Corneal Opacity;
Blindness
- MeSH:
Elapidae;
Snake Venoms;
Corneal Opacity;
Blindness
- From:Brunei International Medical Journal
2012;8(3):145-148
- CountryBrunei Darussalam
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Some species of venomous snakes spit venom in human eyes as a defence mechanism when threatened. If not detected and treated appropriately early, this can result in severe toxic ocular injury leading to potential blindness (snake venom ophthalmia). Not much is known of the clinical course and treatment guidelines due to the rarity of such occurrences. We present a case of isolated severe toxic ocular injury in one eye who reported to us with very poor vision following venom spit, which was promptly treated leading to a successful visual recovery. This is the first documented case of snake venom ophthalmia from Kuala Belait, Brunei Darussalam.