Ophthalmia Nodosa

Abstract

Ophthalmia nodosa is an ocular inflammation due to contact or penetration by hairs or setae of certain insects (e.g., caterpillars) and vegetables. There are five types: type 1 – acute, anaphylactoid reaction consisting of conjunctival chemosis, inflammation, epiphora, and foreign body sensation; type 2 – chronic mechanical keratoconjunctivitis caused by hairs lodged in bulbar/palpebral conjunctiva; linear scratches on cornea; type 3 – formation of grayish-yellow asymptomatic conjunctival nodules; type 4 – intense anterior uveitis due to hair penetration in anterior chamber; often associated with iris nodules and hypopyon; type 5 – hair penetration into the vitreous and subretinal space; chorioretinal tracks pigmented with white, inflamed leading edge. Patients may develop some or all of the features sequentially as hairs/setae migrate inwards, although most fall in types 1 and 2.