Toxic corneal reaction due to exposure to palytoxin

Abstract A case is presented of corneal toxicity after exposure to palytoxin. A 42 year-old man came with symptoms of pain and blurred vision in his right eye. He reported that a zoanthid coral from a saltwater aquarium had squirted into his eye. Slit-lamp examination showed a prominent central ring infiltrate of 4 × 6 mm without epithelial defect and satellite sub-epithelial micro-infiltrates. After 2 months of topical treatment with steroids, the stromal ring infiltrate was resolved, but a stromal thinning and residual fibrosis remained. Palytoxin is a potent vasoconstrictor that damages the ionic gradient of the cells, causing cell death. It is crucial to remove the toxin and start an aggressive topical therapy as soon as possible. In addition, considering the potential ocular and systemic adverse effects that this toxin can produce, it would be advisable to inform people of its existence and regulate the distribution of this type of corals.