Conjunctival Ophthalmomyiasis due to the larvae of oestrus ovis

ABSTRACT

Ophthalmomyiasis is a parasitic disease of the eye caused by the larvae of a number of flies belonging to the order Diptera. We report two cases of conjunctival ophthalmomyiasis caused by the larvae of Oestrus ovis. Both cases were from an urban area and not associated with sheeprearing. The patients complained of sudden onset of a foreign body sensation, redness and tearing that resolved rapidly after mechanical removal of the larvae. Identification of Oestrus ovis larvae was determined by light microscopy. Ophthalmologists should consider ophthalmomyiasis in the differential diagnosis of acute catarrhal conjunctivitis