Snake venom in the eye

S05.9 + (X20.99)

• Description
• Medicine treatment
• Referral

DESCRIPTION

Snake venom in the eye, particularly from various species of spitting cobras and rinkhals, can cause local cytotoxic effects. Clinical presentation ranges from periocular swelling and mild conjunctival and corneal inflammation, to frank corneal ulceration and perforation with eventual blindness.

MEDICINE TREATMENT

Instil local anaesthetic:

• Tetracaine 1%, ophthalmic drops, instill 1 drop into the affected eye(s) before irrigation.
• Irrigate the eye thoroughly for 15–20 minutes with water or sodium chloride, 0.9% to dilute or remove the toxin.

LoEIII

• Apply chloramphenicol ointment and cover the affected eye with an eye patch.

Note: Do not instil polyvalent antivenom in the eye or give systemically.

LoEIII [10]

REFERRAL

Refer all patients to an ophthalmologist.