Subconjunctival Ocular Filariasis—Case Report

Abstract

Purpose: We report a case of ocular worm diagnosed clinically and treated surgically. Methods: A 68-year-old man presented to the ophthalmology clinic, complaining of redness, foreign body sensation and lacrimation in the left eye since 1 week. Slit-lamp examination disclosed a subconjunctival whitish cord like structure with movement. Presentation, clinical, surgery removal, and treatment are described. Results: At the time of surgery, an alive and still intact worm was extracted through conjunctiva incision. Conclusions: As a not yet known endemic region, we would like to emphasize the importance of this zoonosis with its ocular manifestation, knowing previously the diagnostic difficulties. From this perspective, we conclude that the incidence of ocular dirofilariasis may be much higher than that is reported in our region.