Tiny beetles in Australia cause “Christmas Eye” agony

The toxic secretions of a tiny native honeybeetle have re-emerged to cause “Christmas Eye”, a rare and painful affliction that can be very distressing for residents of remote parts in southeastern Australia.

This poorly understood eye condition may seem minor and a result of holiday season excesses, but experts have stated that it is often compared to giving birth.

Christmas Eye’s most unique aspect is its location in Australia’s Albury Wodonga region. It is located about 300 km (186 miles) northeast from Melbourne.

It is also known under the “Albury Wodonga syndrome” or “Harvester’s Keratitis” due to its association with farming work.

Rob Holloway is an optometrist from the region. He said that Christmas Eye appeared during the Australian summer.

He told AFP that the pain level is usually what diagnoses it right away.

It’s in their memories forever. “You poor bastard,” is the common reply.

Kelly Gibbons, Wodonga optometrist, said that she has heard people “compare” it to childbirth.

She stated that “these people are in abject poverty,” to national broadcaster ABC.

Holloway stated that Christmas Eye was caused in part by native orthoperus honey beetles which are less than 1 metre long.

If crushed by anyone, such as rubbing their eyes, the beetles will release a toxic substance.

Holloway explained that an insect’s component is called pederin. This is a blistering agents.

“This secretion is carried on to the eye’s surface and causes it to blister and fall off.

Holloway suggested that there has been an increase in cases in Albury-Wodonga in recent months, possibly due to heavy rains in spring and winter.

“This year was strange. “We had none until the week before Christmas. But since then, we have been inundated for probably a fortnight,” said he.

“We have seen between 25 and 30 cases since Christmas. You might get 10 cases in a normal year. It was a lot, much more than it usually is.”

Holloway explained that Christmas Eye was easily treated with antibiotics.

“The most important thing is that it recovers very quickly. Two weeks later, there is no evidence to support it.”

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