An unusual visual loss after snakebite

Tungpakorn N (1)

(1) Department of Ophthalmology, Sawanpracharak Hospital, Nakhonsawan, Thailand.

ABSTRACT: Snakebites are endemic in some parts of Thailand, being associated with several complications. Ocular disturbances are uncommon, except in cases of corneal or conjunctival injury, when the eye is directly exposed to the snake venom. The present study presents a case of combined ophthalmic artery occlusion and transient central retinal artery occlusion with macular ischemia after a Russell’s viper bite.

KEY WORDS: snakebite, central retinal artery occlusion, macular ischemia, Vipera russelli siamensis.

CORRESPONDENCE TO:

NARONG TUNGPAKORN, Department of Ophthalmology, Sawanpracharak Hospital, Nakhonsawan, Thailand, 60000. Phone: +66 0 5621 9888. Fax: +66 0 5621 9899. Email: mootpk@yahoo.com