Abstract
Purpose: This report presents a case of venom spit ophthalmia, an uncommon but serious ocular emergency caused by snake venom contactng the eye.
Case Presentation: A 31-year-old carpenter presented with venom spit ophthalmia in the right eye (RE) after a cobra spat venom into his eye. The patient received timely irrigation with normal saline and intravenous hydrocortisone in the emergency unit, followed by antibiotic and antifungal eye drops to prevent further infection. Despite a 2-hour delay in treatment, the patient achieved complete visual recovery with minimal scarring located outside the visual axis, preserving his vision.
Discussion: This case emphasizes the effectiveness of early intervention, including copious eye irrigation, to mitigate venom-induced ocular damage.
Conclusion: The positive outcome underscores the need for readily available ophthalmic care in rural settings, where snake encounters are common, to prevent severe complications in similar cases. Protective eyewear is highlighted as a critical preventive measure, especially in high-risk environments.
Keywords:
- Venom spit ophthalmia
- cobra venom
- ocular emergency
- eyewear
How to Cite:
Abbey, K., (2026) “Assessment and Management of Ocular Envenoming: A Case Report in a Rural Setting in Ghana”, African Eye Health and Vision Science Journal 1(1), 10-16. https://doi.org//goaj.4 (external link, opens in new tab).
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