Orbital myiasis

Abstract

Myiasis is a parasitic disease caused by fly larvae of the Diptera order that infest humans and other vertebrates. Orbital myiasis is a potentially destructive infestation of the orbital tissues. We present a case of orbital myiasis in a 34-year-old male with a 4-day history of foreign body sensation, pain, and bloody discharge from his right eye. On examination, a necrosed, gaping wound of approximately 7 cm × 2 cm was present under the right eye. The wound was infested with larvae, eyelids were swollen, and conjunctival congestion and discharge were present. The larvae were removed using turpentine oil, and the wound was debrided and treated with hydroheal AM gel regularly for 1 week. A systemic antibiotic and topical antibiotic-steroid combination was given. After 1 week of treatment, the best-corrected visual acuity in both his eyes was 6/6, and anterior and posterior segment findings were normal; a computed tomography scan was also normal. The wound healed with secondary intention.

Keywords

• best-corrected visual acuity
• diptera
• myiasis
• turpentine oil
• xylocaine