“My eyes felt dry, so I rubbed them”: What were the 11 parasites found in both eyes of a person in their 70s? [Health Talk]

[Financial News] A rare case of infection in which 11 parasites were found in both eyes of a person in their 70s, who had experienced a persistent foreign-body sensation and redness in the eyes for two months, has been featured in a world-renowned medical journal.
Kangwon National University Hospital said on the 28th that a research team led by ophthalmology professor Song Ji-eun had published a case report in “Images in Clinical Medicine,” a clinical section of the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), detailing the diagnosis and treatment of a rare ocular parasitic infection in Patient A (71). The case was also featured in NEJM’s “Weekend Briefing” newsletter.
According to the research team, Patient A sought medical care after experiencing symptoms in both eyes for about two months, including a foreign-body sensation, redness and blurred vision. During an examination, medical staff found parasites moving in the conjunctival sac, the space between the eyelid and the eyeball.
The medical team then administered topical anesthesia and removed 11 parasites measuring 11–20 mm in length using micro-forceps. The patient’s symptoms improved after the parasites were removed, and there was no recurrence during two months of follow-up.
Microscopic examination identified the parasites as Thelazia callipaeda, which is transmitted by flies. The research team observed eggs and first-stage larvae in the female parasites, as well as morphological features in the males that are important for distinguishing the species, providing the basis for the diagnosis.
Thelaziasis is a zoonotic disease transmitted between humans and animals, primarily by flies. It is a rare disease that occurs infrequently in South Korea and can cause a foreign-body sensation in the eye, redness, tearing and itching.
The infection can be treated by completely removing the parasites from the eye. The research team said this case highlights the need to consider parasitic infection as a possible cause of persistent eye symptoms such as a foreign-body sensation or redness. The case may also help inform diagnosis based on morphological features.
Professor Song said, “Although thelaziasis is rare, cases are also reported intermittently in South Korea. When outdoors, take care to keep insects away from the area around your eyes. If a foreign-body sensation or redness persists, it is important to see an ophthalmologist to determine the exact cause.”
[email protected] Kim Hee-sun Reporter