Dr.SHAGUFA JAMAL

Dr.REIKHONGUL RANGLA, Dr.EPSITA GANTAYAT, Dr. DASH SUCHITRA

Abstract

Ectoparasites are the parasites that live primarily on the surface of the host. Parasitic infections of external eye are uncommon and more prevalent in tropical and developing countries with poor sanitary conditions. We present 5 cases of ocular ectoparasitosis caused by 3 different arthropods presenting to the OPD of a tertiary health care center. The first three cases were infected with larvae of Oestrus ovis , the second case with a tick of family Ixodidae and the third case with lice or Pthiriasis palpebrum. All five patients were from rural areas and age ranging from 12 years to 80 years. The symptoms overlap with that of more common conditions like blepharitis, conjunctivitis, eyelid mass etc. so, ectoparasitic infestations should be taken into differential diagnosis of the above mentioned conditions. A careful ophthalmic examination is required to avoid misdiagnosis and delay in treatment as some can invade the globe and cause temporary or permanent loss of vision.