Quiescent caterpillar hair: A rare cause of localised lenticular opacity formation

Abstract

Purpose

To report a rare case of a 65 year old patient with a single caterpillar hair with localised lenticular opacity around it and no active inflammation.

Observations

A single quiescent caterpillar hair embedded in the anterior lens capsule causing localised cataract around it. There was no other sign of ocular toxicosis and the patient was unaware of the presence of this intraocular foreign body.

Conclusions

Caterpillar hair (also known as setae) are a common cause of ophthalmia nodosa. These setae can penetrate intraocularly with ease to cause various forms of ocular toxicosis ranging from conjunctivitis, keratitis, pars planitis, chorioretinitis to even severe vitritis warranting enucleation. As per our knowledge and experience, no case of caterpillar hair without inflammation has been reported till date. We hereby report a rare case of a 65 year old patient with a single caterpillar hair embedded in the anterior lens capsule causing localised cataract around it without any active inflammation. In our opinion, if the eye is quiescent, the patient should be kept on close and long term follow-up and active intervention can be undertaken at the first instance of inflammation or if cataract progresses.