Outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy in three cases of ophthalmomyiasis interna

Abstract

Purpose: To report the outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy in three cases of ophthalmomyiasis interna. Observations: Case 1 is a 15-year-old male with a mobile lenticular gray-white larva in the vitreous. Case 2 is a 4-year-old female with a floating larva in the optic axis. Case 3 is an 8-year-old female with a floating larva in the optic axis; however, intraoperatively, the larva was found subretinally. In all cases, 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy was performed. Conclusions and importance: Ophthalmomyiasis interna is a rare parasitic eye disease that occurs when larvae of flies or gadflies enter the anterior chamber or/and posterior segment. Pars plana vitrectomy is an effective method of dealing with ophthalmomyiasis interna allowing to reach the main goal of treatment: removing the larva and restoring the eye structures. It is necessary to start treatment as soon as possible to prevent complications associated with mechanical injury and the prolonged toxic effect of larval immunogenic materials.

Keywords

• Ophthalmomyiasis
• Ocular parasites
• Intraocular larva