Intraocular caterpillar setae without subsequent vitritis or iridocyclitis.

PURPOSE: To report a case of caterpillar setae embedded in the corneal stroma and inferotemporal retina with minimal inflammation.

DESIGN

Observational case report.

METHODS

A 4-year-old boy developed a red eye after playing with a caterpillar. He was placed on topical tobramycin/dexamethasone and referred for evaluation of embedded setae in his conjunctiva, cornea, iris, and retina. Examination revealed no iridocyclitis or vitritis.

RESULTS

Because of the lack of intraocular inflammatory response, no invasive intervention was conducted to remove or destroy the setae and he was tapered off the tobramycin/dexamethasone. At 4-month follow-up he remained asymptomatic with the setae still present in both his cornea and retina. In addition, vitreous membranes had formed in the immediate vicinity of the intraretinal setae.

CONCLUSION

Intraretinal and corneal setae can be embedded with minimal inflammation and can be tolerated without need for surgical intervention.