Despite having the bee stinger removed earlier, a clinic visit after two days revealed that a portion of the stinger was still lodged in the 55-year-old man's eye.
He reportedly felt worsening pain and vision, prompting him to get checked once more.
Bee Stinger Lodged in Man's Eye
His case was documented in the "Ocular Bee Sting" report.
The man was stung in the eye by a bee two days before. He went to the emergency department to have the stinger removed.
However, it appeared that a portion of the barb stayed lodged in the man's cornea.
His pain and vision dramatically worsened after two days. The right iris vessels started bleeding. The man could also barely see using his injured eye.
He decided to visit an ophthalmology clinic out of fear for his vision.
To examine his case further, clinic specialists made use of fluorescent dye to stain the cornea of the inflamed eye. With the help of a specialized microscope that has a bright light, the team discovered a small piercing object that was lodged in the transparent area of the white portion of the eye.
The thin membrane that lubricates and covers the eye's sclera was observed to be inflamed with blood vessels that were dilated. The researchers also observed swelling in his cornea.
With jeweler's forceps, the ophthalmologists pulled the remainder of the stinger out of the man's eye. He was then prescribed eye drops that have antibacterial medicine as well as steroids.
After five months, his vision got better, reaching up to 20/25.
The man reportedly walked by a bee hive at work and got stung. Otherwise, he did not tend to bees.
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Ocular Bee Stings
According to the researchers, ocular bee stings should be referred to ophthalmologists due to the severe inflammation that could happen due to the injury. Portions of the bee stinger may also stay in the eye if this is not done.
Bee stings end up releasing venom through the stingers. Such venom has proteins that may affect the immune system and skin cells. This could result in swelling and pain surrounding the site of the sting.
A bee eye sting is considered a medical concern due to the eye's critical function and sensitivity. Grave swelling may also occur quickly and potentially lead to vision impairment.
If the bee sting in the eye took place seconds before it was presented, the stinger must be removed immediately in order to limit the delivery of venom. However, if it has been present on the eye for longer periods, the stinger could be handled as a foreign body with total removal, if possible.
Follow-up and close checkups are advised in all ocular bee sting cases, as there are instances where things could get worse in the first several days.
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