A Case of Oular Sparganosis in Korea

PURPOSE: To present a case of ocular sparoganosis presenting as itching sensation. METHODS: A 60-year-old woman presented for removal of an itchy subconjunctival mass in her left eye. Her ocular findings were normal, except for a subconjunctival mass (1.5 x 1.5 mm). RESULTS: A parasite excised from the subconjunctival mass was identified as a sparganum, by microscopic examination after hematoxylin-eosin staining. The mummified parasite was identified as the plerocercoid phase of the sparganum, by microscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Although rare, parasitic disease should be suspected in a palpable subconjunctival mass unresponsive to the medical treatment.