A Case of Intraocular Thelasia Callipaeda Infestation

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We report a case of intraocular Thelazia callipaeda infestation in a patient with panuveitis who had a successful recovery after pars plana vitrectomy. METHODS: A 73-year-old female patients complained of a floating sensation and gradually decreasing visual acuity in her right eye. On slit lamp examination, severe intraocular inflammatory reaction was observed. Fundus examination revealed severe vitreous haze with mobile linear structure. Three-port pars plana vitrectomy was performed and then the worm was removed. RESULTS: The worm was confirmed to be Thelazia callipaeda. At postoperative 2 months, the patient's visual acuity was 0.6 and intraocular pressure 14 mmHg. There was no evidence of intraocular inflammatory reaction. CONCLUSIONS: Thelazia callipaeda usually lie in the conjunctival sac or lacrimal apparatus, causing ocular surface disease, but intraocular infestation rarely occurs. If intraocular infestation does occur, early surgical removal should be performed.