An eye parasite is an organism that lives on or in the eye, deriving nutrients at the host’s expense. While unsettling, these infections are treatable. It is important to seek professional medical evaluation for any concerning eye symptoms, as an ophthalmologist can provide an accurate diagnosis. Attempting to resolve the issue without medical guidance can lead to further complications.
Identifying an Eye Parasite Infection
Parasitic eye infections do not always present with immediate or obvious symptoms. When symptoms do manifest, they often include eye pain, a feeling of something in the eye, and noticeable redness or inflammation. Individuals may also experience vision changes such as blurriness, increased light sensitivity, or floaters, which are small spots drifting through the field of vision. Other signs include excessive tearing, crusting around the eyelids, or a visible worm or cyst.
An ophthalmologist can diagnose a parasitic infection through a comprehensive eye examination. A slit-lamp examination uses a microscope with a high-intensity light source to look for the parasite or signs of its presence, like inflammation or lesions. If a parasite is suspected but not visible, the doctor may take a small tissue scraping from the cornea or conjunctiva for microscopic analysis. When a parasite may be deeper in the eye, imaging tests like an ultrasound or optical coherence tomography might be used to visualize internal structures and confirm the diagnosis.
Common Types of Eye Parasites and Their Sources
One common parasite is Acanthamoeba, a single-celled organism found worldwide in soil, freshwater, and seawater. Acanthamoeba keratitis, a serious infection of the cornea, most often affects people who wear contact lenses. This infection is linked to improper lens hygiene, such as cleaning lenses with tap water or swimming while wearing them.
Another well-known eye parasite is Loa loa, often referred to as the African eye worm. This parasitic worm is transmitted through the bites of infected deerflies found in the rainforests of West and Central Africa. After entering the body, the larvae develop into adult worms that can migrate through tissues, sometimes becoming visible as they move across the surface of the eye.
Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread protozoan parasite that causes an infection called toxoplasmosis. Humans can become infected by consuming undercooked meat from infected animals, ingesting food or water contaminated with cat feces, or through mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy. Ocular toxoplasmosis occurs when it causes inflammation and scarring in the retina, potentially leading to vision loss.
Medical Procedures for Removal
Treatment for an eye parasite is determined by the specific organism and its location within the eye. In many cases, medication is the primary approach. Antiparasitic drugs, either as eye drops or oral medications like ivermectin or albendazole, are prescribed to kill the parasites. These medications work by interfering with the parasite’s life cycle, thereby eliminating the infection.
For some infections involving worms, direct removal may be necessary. In the case of Loa loa, an ophthalmologist can surgically extract the adult worm from the conjunctiva, the membrane covering the white part of the eye. This delicate procedure is performed after the worm has been located visually and provides immediate resolution.
Advanced technologies may be employed for parasites in less accessible parts of the eye. Laser therapy, or photocoagulation, can destroy a worm on or under the retina. The laser creates a barrier of burns to trap the worm, after which more intense energy is used to destroy it. Cryotherapy applies extreme cold to freeze and destroy parasitic cysts or larvae. In complex cases, a vitrectomy may be performed to remove the vitreous gel and the parasites within it.
Post-Removal Care and Prevention
Following the elimination of an eye parasite, proper aftercare is a component of recovery. Patients will have a series of follow-up appointments with their ophthalmologist. These visits allow the doctor to monitor the eye’s healing, manage residual inflammation with medications like corticosteroids, and ensure the infection is eradicated. Consistent follow-up is important because some parasitic infections can recur if not fully treated.
Preventing future infections involves being mindful of environmental risks and practicing good personal hygiene. For contact lens wearers, this means strictly adhering to cleaning and storing instructions from their eye doctor. This includes washing hands before handling lenses, never using tap water to rinse them, and avoiding swimming or using hot tubs while wearing them.
Broader preventative strategies include cooking meat and fish to the proper temperature to kill any potential parasites. When traveling to regions where certain parasitic infections are common, drink only bottled or purified water and be cautious about eating raw foods. In areas with insect-borne parasites, using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing can reduce the risk of being bitten.