“I have a bug bite in my eye. Will it settle on its own?”
I have a small bug bite inside my eye. Is this likely to settle down on its own? Should I do anything for it?
5 Answers
See an ophthalmologist.
See your doctor for a review to avoid infection or blindness.
It may settle down with non-preserved artificial tears every few hours. If it continues to get redder and more irritated, you will need to see an eye care doctor. You may need antibiotics and possibly steroid drops.
There is a chance of infection or inflammatory reaction. See an Ophthalmologist to be sure no further treatment indicated.
I have heard many persons state that it was a bug that “bit” them in the eye. They did not see the big do that but felt something in the eye…a foreign body sensation. When examined with a slit lamp that can magnify things up to 40 times, I have never in nearly fifty years of practice, ever seen a bug bite. It would be unlikely as the eye tissues have many nerves and a bug would cause a rapid blink response causing the bug to fly away.
More likely, this was a misdirected eyelash striking the cornea and causing a foreign body sensation or a chalazion (sty) developing in one of the oil secreting glands in undersurface of the lower eyelid.
Treatment by using a warm compress placed upon the closed eye has worked very well if used twice to four times a day. If symptoms persist or if there appears to be thickened, pus-like tears, then seek the help of an ophthalmologist as an antibiotic may need to be prescribed.
Roger Ohanesian, MD
More likely, this was a misdirected eyelash striking the cornea and causing a foreign body sensation or a chalazion (sty) developing in one of the oil secreting glands in undersurface of the lower eyelid.
Treatment by using a warm compress placed upon the closed eye has worked very well if used twice to four times a day. If symptoms persist or if there appears to be thickened, pus-like tears, then seek the help of an ophthalmologist as an antibiotic may need to be prescribed.
Roger Ohanesian, MD
