It is interesting to read about the best T for beginners, and the warnings about the difficult ones. This article changes the perspective somewhat. For the pictures which give a more graphic message - www.bmj.com/content/314/7093/1524.full

Eye disease associated with handling pet tarantulas: three case reports.
by Andrew J. Blaikie, John Ellis, Roshini Sanders and Caroline J. MacEwen
© COPYRIGHT 1997 British Medical Association
Tarantulas are becoming increasingly popular as pets.
They are widely available, easily maintained, and
considered harmless as many are non-venomous.
Unfortunately the popular American varieties that are less
venomous have evolved highly urticarious hairs to leave
on their webs and flick at predators. We describe three
cases of ocular injury from urticarious hairs of tarantulas.
Case reports
All three patients presented with complaints of itchy, gritty,
red eyes. Two patients associated the onset of symptoms
with the handling of a tarantula, and the third case was
recognised only by astute history taking. Initially a similar
clinical picture was seen in the three patients. The main
findings were of multiple fine intracorneal hairs with an
associated kerato-conjunctivitis. In all three patients the
right eye was more affected than the left; all the patients
were right handed. One case settled quickly with topical
steroid treatment, and at follow up at 36 months the patient
had a normal eye. The two other patients had developed a
progressive pan-uveitis still clinically active at follow up at
24 months and 72 months.
In the patients with the pan-uveitis the hairs seemed to be
migrating relentlessly through the media of the eye. This
has led to multiple foci of inflammation at all levels within
the globe, causing corneal granulomas, iritis, peripheral
anterior synechiae, cataract, vitritis, and chorioretinitis.
One patient developed reduced visual acuity (6/18 N10
corrected) and raised intraocular pressure (mid-20s). At 24
months since presentation this patient is currently being
treated with systemic steroids and topical
anti-glaucomatous drugs and is being considered for
vitrectomy and extraction of a cataract.
The chronic complicated cases were associated with
handling of a Chilean Rose (Grammastola cala) tarantula
(fig 1 (top)), whereas the short uncomplicated case
occurred after the handling of a Thailand Black
(Haplopelma minax) tarantula
[Figure 1 ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
Comment
Ophthalmia nodosa secondary to tarantula hairs is rare,
and previous reports, where stated, have involved Mexican
Red Knee (Brachypelma smith)) tarantulas with a short
lasting, anterior segment dominated, inflammatory
condition with no long term sequelae.[1-3] This condition is
similar to the case involving the Thailand Black spider. The
clinicopathology seen in the two other cases is, however,
more chronic and serious than previous reports and more
consistent with cases of ophthalmia nodosa secondary to
caterpillar hairs of the Lymantriidae family.[4]
We studied the morphology of urticarious hairs from a
Chilean Rose tarantula with a scanning electron
microscope (fig 1 (bottom)). The morphology of the hairs
seemed almost identical to that of caterpillar hairs and
noticeably different from the phylogenetically much more
closely related Mexican Red Knee spider.[5] This gives
credence to the suggestion that hair morphology dictates
the clinical outcome.
The uticarious hairs of tarantulas are poorly recognised as
potential ocular irritants. Interestingly and alarmingly,
Chilean Rose tarantulas are the most popular and widely
available spiders on the market because of their
hardiness, docility, and apparently harmless,
non-venomous nature. They are often bought for children.
Our clinical experience suggests that the transfer from
spider to hand to eye of urticarious hairs form the Chilean
Rose tarantula may result in devastating ocular
inflammation. We recommend not handling tarantulas
routinely. If people must handle tarantulas then we
suggest that they wear gloves, avoid rubbing the eyes
during handling, and thoroughly wash their hands after
handling to minimise the transfer of hairs. Raising
awareness of this issue among those selling tarantulas
and owners will hopefully prevent further cases.

:blink: ... or rather... :pinch:

So be warned that your docile T can cause you lots of harm.

So it is better to get a docile dog for your children. Dogs never ever loose their minds and bite or even worse maul children. It never happens.:S

It is good information, but still this is the exception than the rule and if need to you can just be more careful.

Thank you very much for sharing Hrothgar! Very interesting