Ant Bites Conjunctival Tissue: The ABCs of Removing an Ocular Ant Foreign Body.

BACKGROUND

A variety of insect-related ocular injuries have been reported in the literature. However, no reports have been published documenting injuries resulting from exposure of the ocular surface to ants. This is surprising, given the relatively ubiquitous presence of ants. This is the first known case report to describe various techniques utilized in the removal of ants from the ocular surface.

CASE REPORT: This case report details the presentation of a distressed 24-year-old woman who presented to the Emergency Department with an ocular foreign body associated with pain and increased lacrimation. She was identified to have an ant adherent to her conjunctiva. Various techniques of removal were performed, with the ant finally removed without any trauma to underlying tissues.

CONCLUSION

This is the first case report to detail various techniques utilized in the removal of ants from the ocular surface, and discusses salient features that treating physicians should be aware of in managing patients presenting with ant bites.