Ocular Bee Injuries

Types of ocular bee injuries
Causes of ocular bee injuries
Common symptoms
Diagnostic tests
Non-pharmacological treatments
Drug treatments
Dietary molecular supplements
Advanced/biologic or regenerative” therapies
Surgeries/procedures
Prevention tips
When to see a doctor right away
What to eat and what to avoid
Frequently asked questions

An ocular bee injury means a bee or similar insect has harmed the eye or the tissues around the eye. The harm can be from a sting, from the stinger staying in the tissue, from bee venom, from allergic swelling, or from a secondary infection that happens after the skin or the eye surface is broken. The injury can be very small and only on the eyelid skin, or it can be serious and involve the clear window of the eye (cornea), the white coat (sclera), the pink lining (conjunctiva), or even the inside of the eye. In some cases the sting is only on the eyelid and causes swelling. In other cases the sting pierces the cornea and the stinger is left behind. Bee venom can cause strong inflammation, which means the tissue becomes red, hot, swollen, and painful. Some people also have an allergic reaction. A few people can have a severe allergy (anaphylaxis), which is a whole-body emergency that needs epinephrine and urgent care. Because the cornea is very sensitive and very important for vision, any bee sting near the eye should be treated as urgent.

An ocular bee injury happens when a bee stings any part of the eye or eyelids. Venom can cause toxic inflammation of the surface (conjunctiva and cornea) and sometimes deeper parts of the eye (iris, lens, optic nerve). A barbed stinger may remain embedded in the cornea or even deeper. Complications can include keratitis (inflamed cornea), uveitis (inflamed iris), high eye pressure, cataract, and—rarely—optic nerve injury. Because published evidence is mostly case reports and small series, doctors individualize care, but there is broad agreement on urgent ophthalmology assessment, stinger removal, and early anti-inflammatory therapy when appropriate. EyeWikiScienceDirect

How bee venom harms the eye

Bee venom is a mix of chemicals that the bee uses to defend itself. These chemicals do a few things:

They break cell membranes and make cells leak. This hurts and causes more inflammation.
They activate the immune system so white blood cells rush in and release more inflammatory signals. This causes redness, swelling, and pain.
Some venom enzymes help the venom spread through tissue by loosening the “glue” between cells.
A sting can leave a barbed stinger behind. The stinger acts like a foreign body. It can keep releasing a small amount of venom at the start. It can also scratch the cornea and harbor germs that can cause infection.
If the sting penetrates the eye, it can cause intraocular inflammation (iritis/uveitis), raised eye pressure, cataract if the lens is injured, and, rarely, infection inside the eye (endophthalmitis), which is vision-threatening.

Types of ocular bee injuries

Eyelid skin sting
The bee stings the skin of the upper or lower lid. The skin becomes red, warm, puffy, and very tender. The eye itself may be fine, but the swelling can be large. Sometimes the swelling is so big that the eye looks closed.
Periorbital (around-the-eye) sting
The sting is in the tissue around the eye socket. The area becomes swollen and sore. Because the tissues are soft, fluid collects easily and the swelling can look dramatic. Vision is usually normal, but the eyelids may feel heavy.
Conjunctival sting
The bee stings the pink lining that covers the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. The lining becomes very red and swollen (a state called chemosis). A tiny black or brown stinger may be seen under the eyelid or on the white of the eye.
Corneal epithelial injury without a retained stinger
The surface layer of the cornea is scratched by the sting or by rubbing. The scratch is painful because the cornea has many nerves. It may stain bright green with fluorescein dye in the clinic.
Corneal sting with retained stinger (superficial)
The stinger is stuck in the top layers of the cornea. It acts like a splinter. It can keep the cornea inflamed and can seed germs. Removal in a sterile setting is usually needed.
Deep corneal sting with partial penetration
The stinger goes deeper into the cornea. There can be localized swelling (edema), haze, and even small fluid leaks. The risk of infection and scarring is higher. Vision can be blurred if the center is involved.
Penetrating corneal sting with intraocular foreign body
The stinger pierces through the cornea and enters the eye. This is an emergency. It can cause severe inflammation, infection inside the eye, and permanent vision loss if not treated fast.
Scleral sting
The sting enters the white coat of the eye. Pain and localized tenderness occur. Because the sclera is tough, penetration is less common, but when it happens, it can be serious.
Anterior chamber reaction (toxic or immune uveitis)
Venom products trigger inflammation inside the eye. People feel deep ache, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. The doctor may see cells and flare in the front of the eye.
Iris or lens injury
A penetrating sting can nick the iris or hit the lens. The iris can become inflamed and sticky. The lens can become cloudy over time, forming a traumatic or toxic cataract.
Allergic eyelid angioedema
Some people react strongly to bee venom. The eyelids can become very puffy and itchy. The skin may look stretched and shiny. This is from histamine release and fluid leakage into the tissue.
Secondary bacterial conjunctivitis or keratitis
After the surface is broken, bacteria can infect the eye. The eye becomes more red and painful. There may be discharge and worse light sensitivity. This needs antibiotics.
Secondary fungal keratitis (less common)
In warm, rural, or farm settings, fungal germs can cause a corneal infection after a sting. Pain may be out of proportion, and there may be a feathery white spot in the cornea.
Orbital cellulitis (rare but serious)
If germs spread deeper, infection of the eye socket tissues can occur. There is fever, severe pain, and sometimes bulging of the eye and painful eye movement. This is a medical emergency.
Neuro-ophthalmic effects (very rare)
In rare cases, immune or toxic effects can involve the optic nerve, causing decreased vision and color vision changes. Specialized tests are needed if this is suspected.

Causes of ocular bee injuries

Direct sting to the cornea
The bee lands or is swatted near the eye and its stinger punctures the clear corneal surface.
Direct sting to the conjunctiva
The stinger enters the pink lining of the eye, causing bleeding and swelling.
Sting to the eyelid skin
The lid skin is thin and very sensitive, so swelling and pain can be large even with a small sting.
Retained barbed stinger
Honeybee stingers have tiny barbs. The barb makes the stinger stick and act like a splinter that keeps irritation going.
Venom sac pumping
When the stinger is left behind, a small venom sac can continue to pulse venom for a short time, increasing local damage early on.
Venom membrane-damaging toxins
Venom contains substances that break cell membranes. This causes pain, swelling, and cell death in the cornea and conjunctiva.
Enzymes that spread venom
Some venom enzymes loosen tissue so venom spreads wider, making inflammation broader.
Allergic IgE reaction
People who are sensitized can have a rapid allergy response with histamine release, itching, and swelling of the lids and conjunctiva.
Systemic anaphylaxis
In a few people the reaction is whole-body, with hives, wheezing, low blood pressure, or fainting. Eyes may swell during the reaction.
Rubbing the eye after a sting
Rubbing pushes the stinger deeper, worsens scratches, and spreads germs from the fingers to the eye.
Secondary bacterial infection
A broken surface lets bacteria enter. Common skin or eye bacteria can cause conjunctivitis or corneal ulcer.
Secondary fungal infection
In farming or garden settings, fungal spores can infect a damaged cornea, especially in warm, humid climates.
Penetration with intraocular contamination
A deep sting can bring germs into the eye, leading to endophthalmitis, which is vision-threatening.
Toxic anterior uveitis
Venom can trigger inflammation inside the eye without germs, causing pain and light sensitivity.
Trabecular meshwork irritation and high eye pressure
Inflammation can block the eye’s drainage system, raising intraocular pressure and causing ache and halos.
Lens capsule injury
A sting that hits the lens can make it cloudy later, creating a cataract that blurs vision.
Delayed foreign-body granuloma
A retained fragment can cause a chronic lump and ongoing redness as the immune system walls it off.
Contact lens wear during or after the sting
A contact lens can trap venom or germs, worsening irritation and increasing the risk of infection.
Multiple stings or nearby swarm
More venom and more trauma mean more swelling, pain, and a higher chance of complications.
Lack of eye protection in high-risk settings
Beekeeping, yard work, or cycling through flowering areas without protective glasses increases the chance of a sting to the eye.

Common symptoms

Sharp eye pain
The pain is sudden and strong because the cornea has many nerves.
Foreign-body sensation
It feels like sand or a splinter is in the eye, especially when blinking.
Tearing (watering)
The eye makes more tears to try to flush out the irritant.
Redness
Blood vessels in the white of the eye and eyelids open up, making the eye look red.
Swollen eyelids
The lids puff up with fluid from inflammation or allergy.
Itching
Histamine released during an allergic response causes itch.
Light sensitivity (photophobia)
Bright light hurts because the inflamed cornea and iris are irritated.
Blurred vision
Swelling or scratches on the cornea scatter light, so vision looks cloudy.
Discharge
Clear, stringy, or sticky discharge may appear, especially if infection develops.
Headache or brow ache
Pain can spread to the brow and head due to nerve connections.
Halos around lights
Corneal swelling can cause rings or halos at night.
Droopy eyelid (ptosis) from swelling
Heavy lids can hang lower and make the eye feel tired.
Reduced color sharpness
If deeper structures are inflamed, colors can look duller.
Floaters or flashes (rare)
If the inside of the eye is inflamed, spots or flashes may be seen.
Fever or feeling unwell (if infection or allergy is severe)
Whole-body symptoms can happen with cellulitis or anaphylaxis.

Diagnostic tests

A) Physical exam

General check and vital signs
The clinician checks breathing, pulse, blood pressure, temperature, and oxygen level. This looks for anaphylaxis or serious infection. They also ask what happened, when it happened, and what you did afterward. This history helps plan safe care.
Visual acuity (with pinhole if needed)
You read letters on a chart. If you cannot see clearly, a pinhole can tell if blur is from the surface or from deeper problems. This test is simple but very important, because vision is the key outcome to protect.
Pupil reactions and the swinging-flashlight test
The doctor shines a light to see how the pupils get smaller. If one eye’s nerve pathway is affected, the pupils may not react the same. This can hint at optic nerve or severe retinal involvement.
Eye alignment and extra-ocular movements
You follow a target in different directions. Pain with movement or limited movement may suggest orbital tissue involvement or severe swelling that needs more urgent treatment.

B) Manual eye tests at the slit lamp

Slit-lamp examination with eyelid eversion
The doctor uses a microscope with a bright beam to see the eye structures in detail. They may flip the eyelid to search for a retained stinger or a hidden scratch. This shows exactly where the damage is and how deep it goes.
Fluorescein staining with cobalt-blue light
A safe orange dye is touched to the eye. The dye sticks to scratches on the cornea. Under blue light, scratches glow green. This helps measure the size and shape of the injury and guides treatment.
Seidel test for fluid leak
With fluorescein in place, the doctor looks for a dark stream in the green dye. A dark stream means aqueous fluid is leaking from a corneal hole. A positive test means a penetrating injury that needs urgent specialist repair.
Corneal sensitivity (esthesiometry)
A very thin nylon filament gently touches the cornea to see if feeling is normal. Reduced feeling can happen after venom injury or infection and can change the treatment plan.

C) Lab and pathological tests

Conjunctival or corneal scrapings for microscopy and culture
If infection is suspected, a tiny sample is taken for Gram stain, potassium hydroxide (KOH) prep for fungus, and culture. This shows which germ is present and which antibiotics or antifungals will work best.
Complete blood count with differential
A blood test can show white blood cell changes. High neutrophils can suggest bacterial infection. High eosinophils can suggest an allergic pattern. This supports clinical judgment.
Serum tryptase level
If a severe allergic reaction happened, a tryptase blood level taken within a few hours can confirm mast-cell activation. This helps document true anaphylaxis.
Venom-specific IgE testing (if indicated later)
After the acute event, testing for bee venom IgE can help confirm allergy and guide future allergy care or immunotherapy if needed.

D) Electrodiagnostic tests

Pattern visual evoked potential (pVEP)
You look at a changing checkerboard while scalp sensors record signals from the visual cortex. Delayed or reduced signals can mean optic nerve or pathway stress after severe inflammation.
Flash visual evoked potential
This uses quick flashes and helps when vision is too poor to see a pattern. It evaluates overall visual pathway health.
Full-field electroretinogram (ERG)
This measures retina function by recording tiny electrical signals from the back of the eye after light flashes. It is used when deeper retinal effects are suspected.
Multifocal ERG
This maps central retinal function in many small areas. It can detect subtle damage near the macula if vision remains blurrier than expected after the surface heals.

E) Imaging tests

Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT)
This is a non-contact scan that uses light to make cross-section pictures of the cornea and front of the eye. It shows how deep the sting went, whether there is fluid in the layers, and whether there is a sealed or open track.
Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM)
This is a high-frequency ultrasound that shows very fine detail at the front of the eye, the angle, and the ciliary body. It helps if there is cloudy cornea and the doctor cannot see inside.
B-scan ocular ultrasound
This looks deeper into the eye when the front is too hazy to see through. It can show vitreous debris, retinal detachment, or signs of intraocular foreign body if penetration is suspected.
CT scan of the orbits (or MRI in selected cases)
A CT scan can show a foreign body, gas, or deep tissue changes and can rule out orbital cellulitis or bone problems. MRI is used in specific cases but is avoided if a metallic foreign body is suspected. The choice depends on safety and what the doctor needs to know.

Non-pharmacological treatments

Below are supportive steps your clinician may use. These are not a substitute for urgent eye care when a sting involves the eye itself.

Protective eye shield – a rigid shield taped over the eye prevents rubbing and further damage while you await care. Purpose: minimize mechanical trauma. Mechanism: creates a safe “tent” over the eye.
Hands-off / no rubbing – rubbing can push the stinger deeper or spread venom. Purpose: reduce injury. Mechanism: avoids extra friction on the cornea. AAO
Cold compress (10 minutes on, 10 off) – for lid swelling and surface discomfort. Purpose: reduce pain and edema. Mechanism: vasoconstriction slows inflammatory mediators. AAO
Lubrication with sterile preservative-free tears – eases burning and foreign-body sensation. Purpose: comfort and surface protection. Mechanism: dilutes residual irritants and stabilizes the tear film.
Avoid contact lenses until healed – lenses can trap toxins and raise infection risk. Purpose: lower complications. Mechanism: removes a foreign body from the surface micro-environment.
Photophobia control (sunglasses, dim lighting) – reduces light-triggered pain. Mechanism: less ciliary muscle spasm and glare.
Head elevation during sleep – less swelling on awakening. Mechanism: gravity aids fluid drainage.
Allergen avoidance for beekeepers/gardeners – limit hive handling until cleared; use smoker and calm techniques. Purpose: reduce repeat exposure.
Protective eyewear when near hives or yard work – simple, high-impact goggles can prevent stings to the eyeball. Mechanism: physical barrier.
Immediate do-not-do list – no tweezers on the cornea at home, no cotton swabs, and no home “scraping”; these can scratch or push barbs deeper. Purpose: prevent worsened injury. AAO
Saline rinse (clinic) – gentle sterile irrigation may clear surface debris. Mechanism: mechanical washout.
Microscope-guided stinger extraction (clinic) – if visible in the cornea or conjunctiva, the stinger is carefully lifted out using a spud/needle or fine forceps. Mechanism: removes ongoing venom source and foreign-body irritation. Lippincott Journals
Anterior chamber washout (OR) – if fragments enter the front chamber of the eye. Mechanism: clears toxic material to calm inflammation. EyeWiki
Close follow-up (24–48 hours initially) – vision and pressure can worsen after day 1–3, so rechecks are essential. Mechanism: early detection of uveitis, corneal edema, rising eye pressure. EyeWiki
Eye pressure monitoring – venom-triggered inflammation can raise pressure; measuring IOP guides therapy. Mechanism: objective safety check. EyeWiki
Activity modification – rest the eye, avoid dusty/windy environments that irritate the surface.
Allergy/anaphylaxis action plan – people with past systemic reactions should carry epinephrine and have a plan. Mechanism: fast reversal of life-threatening reactions. AAAAI
Referral for venom immunotherapy (VIT) when indicated – reduces the chance of future life-threatening reactions for those with systemic allergy to stings. Mechanism: desensitizes the immune system. PMC
AMT (amniotic membrane “biologic bandage”) in severe surface injury – in selected cases with large epithelial defects and intense inflammation, surgeons may place an amniotic membrane to relieve pain and speed re-epithelialization. Mechanism: anti-inflammatory matrix rich in growth factors. PMC+1AAO JournalScienceDirect
Patient education – how to use drops, what red flags to watch for (worsening pain, blur, light sensitivity, halos, floaters), and why follow-up matters.

Drug treatments

Dosing here is general educational information for adults with normal health. Real prescriptions must be individualized by a clinician who has examined the eye. Some medicines below are used off-label in this context.

Topical broad-spectrum antibiotic (e.g., moxifloxacin 0.5% eye drops) – Dose: 1 drop 4–6×/day for 5–7 days. Purpose: reduce infection risk when the epithelium is broken or a foreign body was present. Mechanism: inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase. Common side effects: mild stinging; rare allergy. PMC+1
Topical corticosteroid (e.g., prednisolone acetate 1% drops) – Dose: 1 drop every 1–2 hours for 24–48 hours, then taper per exam. Purpose: calm venom-induced keratitis/uveitis and limit scarring. Mechanism: blocks inflammatory cytokines. Side effects: raised eye pressure, delayed healing, infection risk—specialist supervision required. EyeWikiPMCLippincott Journals
Cycloplegic/mydriatic (e.g., atropine 1% drops) – Dose: 1 drop BID–TID. Purpose: relieve ciliary spasm pain and photophobia; stabilize the blood–aqueous barrier. Mechanism: blocks muscarinic receptors. Side effects: blurred near vision, light sensitivity. PMC
Oral corticosteroid (e.g., prednisone 0.5–1 mg/kg/day for 3–5 days, then taper) – Purpose: for severe inflammation (e.g., deep keratitis, significant anterior uveitis, optic nerve involvement) per specialist. Mechanism: systemic anti-inflammatory effect. Side effects: stomach upset, mood change, high sugar/pressure—short course only unless directed. EyeWikiPMC
Topical antihistamine/mast-cell stabilizer (e.g., olopatadine 0.1% drops BID) – Purpose: relieve itch and allergic hyperemia in adjacent conjunctivitis. Mechanism: H1 blockade + mast-cell stabilization. Side effects: mild sting. (Adjunctive; not the core therapy.) EyeWiki
Oral antihistamine (e.g., cetirizine 10 mg daily) – Purpose: systemic itch and swelling control around the eyelids in non-anaphylactic cases. Mechanism: H1 receptor blockade. Side effects: drowsiness (less common with cetirizine). AAAAI
IOP-lowering drops if pressure rises (e.g., timolol 0.5% 1 drop BID) – Purpose: treat secondary ocular hypertension/glaucoma from inflammation. Mechanism: reduces aqueous production. Side effects: low pulse/bronchospasm (avoid in asthma/COPD). EyeWiki
Oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (e.g., acetazolamide 250 mg PO QID or 500 mg ER BID) – Purpose: short-term IOP reduction if needed. Mechanism: reduces aqueous humor formation. Side effects: tingling, fatigue, sulfa allergy issues; avoid in kidney stones. (Clinician-selected.) EyeWiki
Analgesic/anti-inflammatory (e.g., ibuprofen 400 mg every 6–8 h with food) – Purpose: pain control. Mechanism: COX inhibition. Side effects: stomach upset/bleeding risk; avoid in ulcer/CKD unless cleared.
Epinephrine 0.3 mg IM (auto-injector) for anaphylaxis; repeat in 5–15 min if needed while awaiting EMS – Purpose: first-line, life-saving treatment for systemic allergic reactions. Mechanism: α/β adrenergic effects reverse airway swelling and shock. Side effects: tremor, palpitations; benefits far outweigh risks in anaphylaxis. AAAAI

Tetanus booster (0.5 mL IM) if you’re not up-to-date and there is any open wound; oral antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin-clavulanate 875/125 mg BID) only if there’s preseptal cellulitis or soft-tissue infection—your clinician will decide.

Dietary molecular supplements

Supplements are optional helpers for ocular surface recovery and overall antioxidant support. They do not replace proper eye care or prescribed medicines. Discuss with your clinician, especially if pregnant, on blood thinners, or have chronic disease.

Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) – Dose: 1–2 g/day combined EPA+DHA. Function: supports tear film and calms surface inflammation. Mechanism: shifts eicosanoids toward less-inflammatory mediators.
Vitamin C – Dose: 500–1000 mg/day (divided). Function: collagen support and antioxidant defense. Mechanism: cofactor for collagen crosslinking; scavenges reactive oxygen species.
Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) – Dose: up to 200 IU/day (avoid high doses if on anticoagulants). Function: lipid-phase antioxidant for cell membranes.
Zinc (with copper) – Dose: 10–20 mg elemental zinc/day with 1–2 mg copper. Function: supports epithelial repair and antioxidant enzymes.
Lutein + Zeaxanthin – Dose: 10 mg lutein + 2 mg zeaxanthin/day. Function: antioxidant pigments that support ocular tissues and reduce oxidative stress.
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) – Dose: 600 mg once or twice daily. Function: mucolytic/antioxidant; may improve tear stability in some ocular surface disorders.
Curcumin (with piperine for absorption) – Dose: 500–1000 mg/day standardized extract. Function: systemic anti-inflammatory support.
Quercetin – Dose: 500 mg/day. Function: mast-cell stabilizing and antioxidant properties.
Bromelain – Dose: 200–400 mg/day (measured in GDU). Function: may reduce soft-tissue swelling; monitor for allergy (pineapple-derived) and interactions with blood thinners.
Probiotic blend (Lactobacillus/Bifidobacterium) – Dose: ~10^9 CFU/day. Function: supports immune balance; not a treatment for an eye sting but can support overall mucosal health.

Advanced/biologic or regenerative” therapies

These are specialist-directed therapies. Some are off-label or reserved for severe surface disease after stings. None are “magic immunity boosters,” and true stem-cell drugs for this scenario are mostly investigational.

Bee venom immunotherapy (VIT) – for people with systemic allergic reactions to stings. Dose: build-up to maintenance (often 100 µg honey-bee venom) under an allergist’s protocol. Function: dramatically lowers the risk of future anaphylaxis (often to <5%). Mechanism: immune tolerance induction. Notes: long-term therapy; effectiveness varies. PMCAAAAI
Autologous serum tears (20–50%) – patient’s own serum processed into eye drops. Function: delivers growth factors and vitamins to aid epithelial healing in non-healing defects. Mechanism: biologic tear substitute.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) eye drops – higher concentration of platelet growth factors than serum. Function: may accelerate epithelial repair and reduce symptoms in refractory surface disease.
Cenegermin (recombinant human nerve growth factor) 0.002% – Dose: 1 drop 6×/day for 8 weeks (approved for neurotrophic keratitis). Function: promotes corneal nerve/epithelium healing when neurotrophic changes follow severe inflammation. Mechanism: NGF-mediated trophic support.
Topical calcineurin inhibitors (cyclosporine 0.05–0.1% or tacrolimus 0.03% ointment at lid margin) – Function: reduce chronic surface immune activation when steroid-sparing control is needed. Mechanism: T-cell modulation.
Anti-VEGF for corneal neovascularization (e.g., bevacizumab, off-label topical or subconjunctival) – Function: regress troublesome new vessels that can reduce corneal clarity. Mechanism: VEGF blockade.

Surgeries/procedures

Microsurgical stinger extraction – under a slit-lamp or operating microscope, the surgeon gently lifts out the barbed stinger with a spud/needle or fine forceps. Why: to stop venom leakage and foreign-body irritation. Lippincott Journals
Anterior chamber washout and foreign-body removal – if stinger fragments enter the eye’s front chamber. Why: remove toxic material and prevent ongoing inflammation. EyeWiki
Pars plana vitrectomy – if a stinger or inflammatory debris reaches the back of the eye (vitreous/retina). Why: clear the vitreous, remove fragments, and prevent endophthalmitis-like reactions. EyeWiki
Amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) – a biologic “bandage” sutured or glued to the ocular surface for large, painful defects or severe inflammation. Why: reduce pain, promote epithelial healing, and limit scarring. PMC+1AAO Journal
Reconstructive surgery after sequelae – e.g., keratoplasty (corneal transplant) for dense scarring or cataract extraction if the lens became opacified due to the sting. Why: restore clear optical media and vision. ScienceDirect

Prevention tips

Wear wraparound eye protection when working in gardens, orchards, or near hives.
Avoid strong perfumes and bright floral patterns that attract bees when outdoors.
Move calmly if bees are nearby; avoid swatting.
Keep vehicle and home window screens intact to reduce accidental entry.
Teach children not to touch hives or nests.
For beekeepers: follow best practices—calm hive handling, smoke use, protective veil and goggles.
Carry an epinephrine auto-injector if you’ve ever had a systemic reaction; know how to use it. AAAAI
Consider venom immunotherapy after a systemic sting reaction, as advised by an allergist. PMC
Stay up-to-date on tetanus vaccination.
Have an action plan: where to go for urgent eye care and which medications to bring.

When to see a doctor right away

Any sting to the eyeball (cornea/sclera) or if you see a stinger.
Vision changes, halos around lights, severe light sensitivity, increasing pain, or a white/gray patch on the cornea.
Eyelid swelling plus breathing trouble, hives, vomiting, or fainting (call emergency services and use epinephrine). AAAAI
Contact lens wearers, children, or anyone immunocompromised should be evaluated promptly.
Worsening symptoms 24–72 hours after the sting—even if you felt okay at first. EyeWiki

What to eat and what to avoid

Eat:
1. Hydrating fluids and water; 2) Fatty fish or algae-based omega-3s; 3) Citrus/berries (vitamin C); 4) Leafy greens and bright vegetables; 5) Nuts/seeds (vitamin E, zinc); 6) Eggs/dairy (vitamin A, if tolerated); 7) Whole grains; 8) Lean proteins for healing; 9) Turmeric/ginger in cooking; 10) Probiotic foods (yogurt, kefir).
Avoid (for now):
1. Alcohol (can worsen dryness and interact with pain meds); 2) Very salty foods (can worsen swelling); 3) Excessive caffeine (may worsen dryness); 4) Herbal blood thinners (e.g., high-dose ginkgo/garlic) if you’re on NSAIDs; 5) Allergy-trigger foods for you personally; 6) Ultra-processed snacks; 7) Spicy foods if they worsen facial flushing; 8) Smoking/vaping (slows healing); 9) High-sugar drinks; 10) Supplements you haven’t cleared with your clinician if you’re on prescription meds.

Frequently asked questions

Is a bee sting to the eye always an emergency?
Yes—especially if the eyeball was stung. You need urgent specialist care to remove any stinger and assess for inflammation or pressure spikes. EyeWiki
Should I try to scrape out the stinger myself?
No. Home “scraping” can push the barbed stinger deeper and worsen damage. Protect the eye and seek care. AAO
Will the doctor always remove the stinger?
Usually yes, if visible and accessible. Removal stops venom leakage and foreign-body irritation. Rare deeper cases may need operating-room removal. Lippincott JournalsEyeWiki
Do I need antibiotic drops?
Often yes when the surface is scraped or a foreign body was present, to lower infection risk while the cornea heals. Your doctor will choose the agent. PMC+1
Are steroid drops safe?
They’re commonly used by specialists to calm venom-induced inflammation, but they can raise eye pressure and slow healing; that’s why close follow-up is essential. EyeWiki
Can a bee sting cause cataracts or optic nerve problems?
Rarely, yes—case reports describe toxic cataract and optic neuropathy. This is why early assessment and follow-up matter. ScienceDirect
How long does recovery take?
Superficial injuries may improve over days to weeks; deeper injuries can take longer and sometimes leave scarring. Follow-up checks track healing and pressure. EyeWiki
Should I use allergy pills or eye drops?
They can help eyelid itch and redness, but they’re adjuncts. The core treatment focuses on stinger removal and controlling inflammation. EyeWiki
Do I need a tetanus shot?
If you’re not up-to-date and there is an open wound, your clinician may recommend a booster.
When is epinephrine needed?
For anaphylaxis—trouble breathing, throat/tongue swelling, hives with faintness. Use your auto-injector and call emergency services. AAAAI
Can I wear my contact lenses?
No—not until your clinician clears you. Lenses can trap irritants and raise infection risk.
Can an ocular bee sting get better without treatment?
There are rare reports of improvement without treatment, but this is not a safe plan; complications can develop after a delay. Seek care. PMC
Will I need surgery?
Only if the stinger is deep, fragments remain, or there is significant scarring or intraocular involvement. EyeWiki
What about amniotic membrane “bandage” surgery?
In severe surface injury, AMT can reduce pain and help the cornea heal faster. Your surgeon decides based on exam. PMC
Can I prevent future severe reactions?
If you’ve had a systemic reaction, allergists often recommend venom immunotherapy, which dramatically lowers the risk of future anaphylaxis. PMC

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