Common Parasitic Eye Infections

When you suffer from eye irritation, the thought that you may have a parasitic eye infection rarely enters your mind, if at all. But parasitic eye infections are actually more common than one might think. Parasitic eye infections are serious infections that occur in the eye and the surrounding structures. These infections cause a wide range of symptoms and require individualized treatment. Prompt treatment is essential because if left untreated, vision loss can occur.

Parasitic Eye Infections

Eye infections caused by parasites can results from one of two things, either a protozoan or a metazoan. A protozoan is a single-celled organism that can cause these infections. A metazoan is a multi-cellular organism responsible for these eye infections as well. Acanthamoeba keratitis, Ocular onchocerciasis, and Ocular toxoplasmosis are among the most common parasitic eye infections.

Acanthamoeba Keratitis Infection

Acanthamoeba keratitis is a common parasitic eye infection that can be caused by a number of factors. This infection can occur due to trauma to the cornea or contact lens use; however, the most common cause of this infection is an amoeba contamination found in fresh water sources. This infection often causes ocular pain and blurred vision. A foreign body sensation is also associated with the condition, as well as an enlarged corneal nerve. It is not uncommon for the eye to become red, swollen, watery, or itchy also. In order to treat this parasitic eye infection, a surgery known as keratoplasty is needed. This surgery, combined with prescribed medications, will eliminate the parasite from the eye.

Ocular Onchocerciasis Infection

River blindness (ocular onchocerciasis) is caused by a water-borne nematode known as Onchocerca volvulus. Not only can this parasite cause eye infections, but skin infections as well. This infection is transmitted by the bites of black flies that live near fast moving rivers, which is why it is more commonly known as river blindness. This infection causes the eyes to become red, itchy, and can increase sensitivity to light. Prompt treatment with the drug Ivermectin is needed as river blindness is the second leading cause of blindness due to an infection.

Ocular Toxoplasmosis Infection

Ocular toxoplasmosis is the most common parasitic eye infection, which is transmitted through human-cat contact. Common symptoms associated with the infection include blurred vision and floaters in the eye. It can be difficult to diagnose this condition because while it remains inactive, no symptoms are produced. Symptoms become noticeable when inflammation of the central retina occurs. Treatment for this infection requires the use of two prescribed medications for six weeks.

References:

"Fungal and Parasitic Infections of the Eye" PubMed Central
"Parasitic Eye Infection" Steady Health
"Eye Infections, Parasitic" CDC