The Red Eye Revisited: Ophthalmia Nodosa Due to Tarantula Hairs

Animal-inflicted ocular and adnexal injuries in children: A systematic review

“…Tarantulas were implicated in 14 of these cases. 14,31,34,67,71,88,100,102,117,119,126,128,135,160 The other 5 cases involved spiders belonging to the Loxosceles genus, specifically the brown recluse spider. 2,18,76,82,146 There were distinct differences in patient age, gender, and geographical distribution between the Loxosceles and tarantula groups.…”

“…Tarantula injuries were more likely to occur in boys (85.7% versus 80%) and an older age group (13.9 versus 8.6 years) compared with Loxosceles injuries. The majority of Loxosceles injuries occurred in Turkey (4 of 5), 2,18,82,146 whereas the tarantula group reports originated from the United States, 14,31,67,88,117,128,135 United Kingdom, 34,100,126,160 Ireland, 102 and Europe. 119 The types of injuries that were sustained also differed between the groups.…”

“…Typical management involved topical steroids with additional antibiotics and cycloplegia in some, as well as mechanical removal of hairs where possible. 14,31,34,67,71,88,100,102,117,119,126,128,135,160 In contrast, Loxosceles-related injuries were bites and primarily involved the adnexa. Preseptal swelling associated with hemorrhage and necrosis was the most common presentation.…”

Injuries and envenomation by exotic pets in Hong Kong

“…35 Embedment of the hairs in the cornea can result in severe complications, including ophthalmia nodosa, iritis, and even permanent visual impairment. 36,37 …”

Keratitis and Retinitis Secondary to Tarantula Hair

“…[4][5][6] Treatment may include mechanical removal of the hairs and supportive treatment with topical corticosteroids. [4][5][6] Our patient is gradually responding to topical corticosteroids and cycloplegics. …”