Ophthalmomyiasis externa: A case report

Abstract

Purpose: To report an unusual case of ophthalmomyiasis in a healthy individual from western part of India. Materials and Methods: A 23 years old patient with complaints of redness, severe burning sensation, foreign body sensation and excessive lacrimation in his right eye was examined and diagnosed with ophthalmomyiasis caused by larvae of Oestrus ovis. The patient was successfully treated with combination of Antibiotic and Steroid through topical route. Results: A 23 years patient with presence of larvae was immediately examined and larvae’s were removed and sent for identification. The organisms were found to be Oestrus ovis, the patient was treated with topical Tobramycin 0.3% combined with fluorometholone 0.1%. The complaints resolved completely with no ocular or systemic associations on further investigations. Conclusion: This is one of the uncommon condition in urban areas. The most common organism causing ophthalmomyisis is Oestrus ovis. Oestrus ovis is found in sheep and goat, humans are the accidental hosts and treatment should be aimed to immobilize and removal with secondary treatment of symptoms. Keywords: Larvae, Oestrus ovis, Ophthalmomyiasis externa.