Chestnut-burr spine-related corneal injury: a case report

Okur E., Toklu M., TURGUT B.

ANNALS OF CLINICAL AND ANALYTICAL MEDICINE, cilt.17, sa.1, 2026 (ESCI)

Özet

Introduction: Chestnuts represent a type of fruit characterized by multiple nuts that are surrounded by a spiny burr. These stiff and sharp spines can cause severe ocular injuries, including corneal, scleral, and conjunctival foreign body-related damage with or without laceration, penetrating trauma, keratitis, traumatic cataract, and endophthalmitis. Case Presentation: We report two patients who were admitted to our clinic following trauma caused by chestnut burrs during the harvesting season. Slit-lamp examination revealed intrastromally embedded chestnut burrs in the mid-peripheral cornea, without penetration into the anterior chamber, in both patients. Corneal spines were removed on the same day, using a 26-gauge needle to reach deep below the spine and extract it. At the first postoperative visit, both patients demonstrated a visual acuity of 1.0. No complications developed during the patient's follow-up, and wound healing was completed without any problems. Conclusion: This case highlights the potential risks of ingested foreign bodies and underscores the importance of early surgical intervention and appropriate medical treatment.