Australian doctors report an increase in the number of cases of a disease known as “Christmas Eye “, or “Christmas eye” disease in free translation. The health problem is characterized by the change in the tone of the eyes, which take on a greenish appearance, and by symptoms such as discomfort and intense pain in the eye area.
The condition, also called “Albury-Wodonga syndrome” or “reaper’s keratitis”, is associated with acute corneal ulceration. The syndrome is caused by contact with secretions from a tiny species of beetle called orthoporus.
The seasonal disease is geographically limited to Australia, specifically the Southwest region of New South Wales and the Northeast region of Victoria, according to an article published in the Open Ophthalmology Journal.
The health problem was first described in the 1970s. The name of the disease is associated with the most common period of the year for the appearance of cases, in the summer period in the southern hemisphere, between mid-December and February.
Severe pain and other symptoms of the disease
“Christmas Eye” disease causes debilitating pain and a large, uniform ulcer that can cover more than 70% of the corneal surface.
According to the scientific literature, secretions from beetles native to the genus Orthoperus are associated with the condition. The disease is also known as ‘reaper’s keratitis’ in certain rural areas because of its significant occupational association with harvesting activities in the summer months.
Patients are usually awakened by severe pain in the early hours of the morning, having been outdoors among vegetation around dusk or sunset the day before.
Common clinical features include severe ocular pain, eyelid swelling, increased tear production, photophobia, and decreased visual acuity. Photophobia and reduced visual ability may persist for 2 to 4 weeks.
The condition is usually self-limiting and complete resolution of symptoms can take up to 6 weeks. Long-term complications such as corneal scarring and vision loss, although rare, have been reported. There are no records of cases of person-to-person transmission.
Common eye examination, performed with a slit lamp, usually reveals the lesion involving most of the corneal surface.
Treatment can be done from the application of anti-inflammatory medications and antibiotics in the form of eye drops. and it only ceases with the regeneration of the corneal epithelium, which generally takes 48 to 72 hours.
Source: CNN Brasil
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