Ocular Toxocariasis

What is it about?

Ocular toxocariasis is an important cause of unilateral vision impairment mostly in children and always in the differential diagnosis of retinoblastoma. This disease exhibits various manifestations as posterior pole granuloma, peripheral granuloma or chronic endophthalmitis. Diagnosis of ocular toxocariasis can be carried out by the ophthalmic examination, immunodiagnostic methods to reveal the specific antibodies in serum and ocular fluids. In addition, molecular diagnosis, medical imaging techniques and histopathologic observation of Toxocara larva in the surgically obtained specimens, can be performed. Ocular toxocariasis can be treated either medically or surgically. Regarding medical treatment, the ophthalmologists prefer to use steroids and anthelminthic drugs however; there are no standardized parameters for doses, duration and route of administration. Clinical suspicion plays a leading role in diagnosis of ocular toxocariasis, but always with other diagnostic methods. Accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment can minimize ocular morbidity.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Clinical suspicion plays a leading role in diagnosis of ocular toxocariasis, but always with other diagnostic methods. Accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment can minimize ocular morbidity.