Ocular complications of spitting cobra venom

Jalink, Maarten B.

doi:10.4103/ijo.ijo_1164_20

Cited by 4 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…When removing a snake, handlers must use the appropriate measures and tools to ensure the safety of the snake and humane removal, while avoiding bites and envenomations to themselves [ 15 ]. Spitting cobras such as Naja ashei , as described in this report, can spit venom accurately at perceived threats, causing extreme pain and sight issues in the victim [ 9 , 10 ]. This case report underscores the importance of proper equipment and safety measures in snake rescue operations, specifically for venom-spitting snakes.…”

Section: Case Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ashes to eye: A skilled snake handler’s experience with ophthalmic envenomation

Williams¹,

Moejes

Williams

et al. 2023

PLoS Negl Trop Dis

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With the continued growth of human populations, rural urbanisation and habitat degradation are on the rise, resulting in the displacement of native wildlife and an increase in human-wildlife conflicts. The presence of human habitation and waste often attracts rodents and thereby, snakes, leading to increased snake sightings in homes. To address this problem, snake handlers, who are volunteers that remove and relocate snakes away from human development areas, are called upon. However, snake removal is a high-risk task that poses a risk of envenomation, particularly when dealing with spitting snakes. Several cobra species have the ability to spit venom. If the venom enters a person’s eye, it can result in ophthalmic envenomation, which can have serious consequences for their eyesight. Therefore, snake handlers should take precautions, wear suitable eye protection, and use appropriate tools to ensure their safety and that of the snake. In this case, an experienced snake handler was called to remove a spitting cobra, but they were ill-equipped. During the removal, the venom was sprayed across the handler’s face, and some of it entered their eye, resulting in ophthalmic envenomation. The handler promptly irrigated their eye, but medical treatment was still necessary. This report highlights the risks and consequences of ophthalmic injury and the importance of wearing appropriate eye protection and taking due care when dealing with venomous species, particularly those that can spit venom. It serves as a reminder that accidents can happen at any time and experienced snake handlers are not exempt from the risks.

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Section: Case Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ashes to eye: A skilled snake handler’s experience with ophthalmic envenomation

Williams¹,

Moejes

Williams

et al. 2023

PLoS Negl Trop Dis

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show abstract

“…20 Spitting cobras constitute a specific risk of venom inoculation, as this species deliberately targets the eye of his adversary. 3 This review is limited by the fact that only case reports were found. To our knowledge, no experimental studies have been performed on the subject.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…There is insufficient evidence for the use of other topical medication, like heparin, tetracycline, or topical antivenom, to prevent further corneal damage. 3 It is not necessary to identify the offending snake.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These snakes have evolved their venom in such a way that it results in corneal erosions or even ulceration and perforation. 3,4 The aim of this review was to gather all relevant cases, analyze them, and summarize the findings in a treatment guide for the ophthalmologist. We published a separate paper on the ocular complications of spitting cobra venom and the treatment advice is briefly reiterated in this narrative review.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…We published a separate paper on the ocular complications of spitting cobra venom and the treatment advice is briefly reiterated in this narrative review. 3…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

A Guide to Direct (Peri)ocular Injuries Caused by Snakes: Systematic Review and Treatment Advice

Jalink

Wisse

2022

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

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Ocular injuries caused by snakes are very rare, but damage can be severe. There is little evidence on the effective treatment of these injuries. The aim of this systematic review is to discuss all available literature and summarize existing experiences in a treatment advice. In January 2022, a search was performed in the PubMed database. Penetrative trauma by venomous snakebites constitute the most severe cases, and can require the evisceration of the eye. Nonvenomous snakes, mostly boas and pythons held in captivity, are also able to perforate the eye, though with a more favorable disease course. Chemical trauma by inoculation of venom occurs as well, and copious irrigation is advised in these cases. Detailed suggestions for ophthalmologic treatment are presented.

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