Affiliation:
1. Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
Abstract
Abstract
Ocular tick attachment is a rare event; however, it carries a significant risk of tick-borne infections. Hereby, we describe a case of a 29-year-old female in the Amazon region who presented a tick attached to the left nasal bulbar conjunctiva with noticeable dilatation of conjunctival vessels. With no access to a medical center, the patient was guided to mechanically remove the tick by pulling it with sterile forceps. The conjunctiva was freely mobile, and the tick, later identified as Amblyomma spp., was completely removed from the eye. No ocular or systemic tick-transmitted diseases were observed within 6 months of follow-up. The prompt and secure removal of a tick attached to the conjunctiva should be undertaken as soon as possible to prevent the further transmission of pathogens, toxins, and allergens. The removal approach should be based on the tick’s location and the patient’s access to a medical facility.