Ophthalmia nodosa secondary to multiple intraocular caterpillar hairs in a 2-year-old girl

Intermediate Uveitis with Cystoid Macular Edema as Presentation of Retained Caterpillar Hair in the Vitreous Cavity

PURPOSE

To report an unusual case of retained caterpillar hair in the vitreous cavity presenting as recurrent Intermediate Uveitis with cystoid macular edema.

METHOD

Case Report.

RESULTS

A 40-year-old male presented to our uveitis clinic with recurrent episodes of redness and diminution of vision in his left eye for 3 years. He was diagnosed and treated elsewhere as a case of recurrent intermediate uveitis and was referred to our center for a second opinion to initiate immunosuppressive therapy. A detailed history revealed that a caterpillar had fallen into his left eye 3 years back, followed by severe irritation, pain, and redness. He received topical antibiotics and corticosteroids, and retained caterpillar hair was removed from the ocular surface. During the last 3 years, the patient had multiple episodes of inflammation despite being treated with oral and topical corticosteroids. At the current visit, a meticulous clinical examination at our centre revealed multiple, migrated, retained caterpillar hair in the vitreous cavity. The patient was diagnosed with Ophthalmia Nodosa (Type V) and managed with surgical intervention (vitreous surgery). The case highlights an unusual presentation of ON and the role of pars plana vitrectomy in its successful management.

CONCLUSION

We highlight a rare and unusual presentation of ophthalmia nodosa and its successful management.