PP496 : Ophthalmomyiasis Externa

Dr.K Kalaivani

Ophthalmomyiasis Externa is the infestation of the conjunctiva with insect larvae. Total of eight fishermen reported to our hospital in summer months with complaints of itching and irritation in one eye of abrupt onset of one day duration. Ocular examination of the affected eye revealed conjunctival congestion with live worms crawling in the conjunctiva with no corneal involvement . Anterior chamber , pupil , vision and fundus examination was normal in both eyes. Worms were removed under xylocaine , sent to the microbiology lab and identified as Oestrus Ovis. Patients recovered with topical antibiotics and oral anthelminthics.