VẮT HÚT KẾT MẠC: BÁO CÁO MỘT TRƯỜNG HỢP LÂM SÀNG

Abstract

Background: Ocular leech infestation—and conjunctival attachment in particular—is rare. Without timely and effective management, it may cause serious complications, including bleeding due to the anticoagulant hirudin, retained denticles acting as a nidus for infection, and possible intraocular penetration. We report a case of conjunctival leech infestation. Case report: A 39-year-old man presented to Ho Chi Minh City Eye Hospital with a leech firmly attached to the superior tarsal conjunctiva at the medial canthus of the right eye. Topical tetracaine 0.5% was instilled repeatedly, and the on-call emergency physician removed the leech at the slit lamp using non-toothed forceps with considerable difficulty. Conclusions: This rare case underscores the importance of eye protection during forest trekking and the lack of standardized management recommendations to date.