Purpose: To report a case of caterpillar setae embedded in the corneal stroma and inferotemporal retina with minimal inflammation.
Design: Observational case report.
Methods: A 4-year-old boy developed a red eye after playing with a caterpillar. He was placed on topical tobramycin/dexamethasone and referred for evaluation of embedded setae in his conjunctiva, cornea, iris, and retina. Examination revealed no iridocyclitis or vitritis.
Results: Because of the lack of intraocular inflammatory response, no invasive intervention was conducted to remove or destroy the setae and he was tapered off the tobramycin/dexamethasone. At 4-month follow-up he remained asymptomatic with the setae still present in both his cornea and retina. In addition, vitreous membranes had formed in the immediate vicinity of the intraretinal setae.
Conclusion: Intraretinal and corneal setae can be embedded with minimal inflammation and can be tolerated without need for surgical intervention.