Bird pecking ocular injury caused by a native Malayan bird

Authors

  • Logeswari Krishna Ophthalmology Department, University Malaya Eye Research Centre, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  • Nor Aisyah Zakaria Ophthalmology Department, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
  • Sujaya Singh Ophthalmology Department, University Malaya Eye Research Centre, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • May May Choo Ophthalmology Department, University Malaya Eye Research Centre, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Pooi Wah Lott Ophthalmology Department, University Malaya Eye Research Centre, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.16964/er.v7i1.102

Keywords:

bird pecking injuries, corneal laceration, traumatic cataract, ocular penetration, penetrating ocular injury, penetrating ocular injuries, white-breasted waterhen, ke-ru-ak

Abstract

Eye injuries resulting from bird pecking are rare but may cause permanent blindness.  We report a case of penetrating ocular injury following a peck by a white-breasted waterhen.  A 13-year-old girl presented with painful visual loss in her left eye after being pecked by her pet bird.  She sustained a central corneal laceration and traumatic cataract in her left eye.  Primary closure of corneal laceration was performed without complication.  Broad spectrum topical and intravenous antibiotics were administered.  After two weeks, she developed a mature white cataract.  Subsequently, she underwent lens aspiration with intraocular lens implantation.  Her vision improved drastically from 20/2400 to 20/60.  Precautions should be taken while handling birds, especially when children are handling birds, in order to prevent any ocular injury.  Parents play a vital role in preventing their child from getting injured by birds.

Author Biography

Logeswari Krishna, Ophthalmology Department, University Malaya Eye Research Centre, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Medical Officer 

Ophthalmology Masters student 

Ophthalmology Department 

References

Al-Sharif EM, Alkharashi AS. An unusual case of penetrating eye injury caused by a bird: a case report with review of the pertinent literature. Saudi Journal of Ophthalmology 2019; 33(2): 196-9.

Tabatabaei SA, Soleimani M, Behrouz MJ. Bird attack ocular injuries. Retina 2018; 38(5): 945-50.

Lekse Kovach J, Maguluri S, Recchia FM. Subclinical endophthalmitis following a rooster attack. Journal of AAPOS 2006; 10(6): 579-80.

Muller L, Kohnen T. Scleral and corneal laceration with iris prolapse caused by an eagle claw. Graefe’s Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology 2005; 243(4): 377-9.

Kuhl W. [Eye injuries caused by birds]. Klinische Monatsblatter fur Augenheilkunde 1970; 157(6): 810-5.

Abdulla HA, Alkhalifa SK. Ruptured globe due to a bird attack. Case Reports in Ophthalmology 2016; 7(1): 112-4.

Chaudhry IA, Al-Sharif AM, Hamdi M. Severe ocular trauma caused by an ostrich. British Journal of Ophthalmology 2005; 89(2): 250-1.

Tyson C, Srivinisan S. A peck of affection or a peck of aggression: case report of an eye injury due to the black naped oriole. Advances in Ophthalmology and Visual System 2017; 6(1): 00169.

Whistler, H. (1963) Popular Handbook of Indian Birds. Oliver and Boyd, Edinburgh.

Yardley AM, Hoskin AK, Hanman K, et al. Animal-inflicted ocular and adnexal injuries in children: a systematic review. Survey of Ophthalmology 2015; 60(6): 536-46.

Published

2020-11-16

Issue

Section

Original Articles