Ocular toxicity caused by toad venom

Cornea. 2008 Feb;27(2):236-7. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0b013e31815b8317.

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of ocular toxicity caused by toad venom.

Methods: Observational case report.

Results: A 31-year-old man came to our clinic complaining of burning pain, photophobia, and blurred vision in both eyes. He reported that an hour earlier he had been handling a toad (Bufo bufo). It ejected a liquid from its back that splashed on the patient's face and made him rub his eyes. Corrected visual acuity was 20/50 in the right eye and 20/40 in the left eye. Slit-lamp microscopy revealed mild chemosis and stromal corneal edema with Descemet folds in both eyes. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was 9 mm Hg in both eyes. Posterior segment examination was normal. Topical dexamethasone every 4 hours and cycloplegic 3 times a day were prescribed. Forty-eight hours later, corneal edema and conjunctival chemosis had resolved, and IOP was 18 mm Hg.

Conclusions: Ocular toxicity secondary to toad venom may cause corneal edema and low IOP that resolve without specific treatment in a short period.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Adult
  • Amphibian Venoms / adverse effects*
  • Animals
  • Bufo bufo*
  • Conjunctival Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Conjunctival Diseases / drug therapy
  • Corneal Edema / chemically induced*
  • Corneal Edema / drug therapy
  • Dexamethasone / administration & dosage
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mydriatics / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Amphibian Venoms
  • Mydriatics
  • Dexamethasone