Management of Tick Infestation of the Eyelid

Abstract

Tick infestation of ocular tissues is not common. Tick inoculation of the skin can locally lead to granuloma and abscess formation. More concerning, however, is the potential systemic sequelae that can result from transmission of zoonoses such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Ehrlichia, and tularemia. To avoid these complications, it is critical that the tick is completely removed. The authors present a case of tick infestation in the eyelid of a 55-year-old woman and review the management of such a case.