Snake Venom in the Eye
Description General measures Referral ICD-10 code: S05.9 + (X20.99) DESCRIPTION Direct or indirect snake venom exposure to the eye, particularly from various species of spitting cobras and rinkhals, can cause chemical injury with varying clinical presentations ranging from periocular swelling and mild conjunctival and corneal inflammation to frank corneal ulceration and perforation with eve
Description
General measures
Referral
ICD-10 code: S05.9 + (X20.99)
DESCRIPTION
Direct or indirect snake venom exposure to the eye, particularly from various species of spitting cobras and rinkhals, can cause chemical injury with varying clinical presentations ranging from periocular swelling and mild conjunctival and corneal inflammation to frank corneal ulceration and perforation with eventual blindness.
GENERAL MEASURES
- Instill local anaesthetic and promptly perform copious irrigation for 15–20 minutes to dilute or remove the toxin with sodium chloride 0.9%.
- Apply chloramphenicol ointment and cover the affected eye with an eye patch.
Note:
Do not instill polyvalent antivenom in the eye or give systemically.
REFERRAL
- Refer all patients to an ophthalmologist.
Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Paediatrics, 2023 Edition
Chapter 18: Poisoning, 18.2 Envenomation, 18.2.4 Snake Venom In The Eye