Thelazia callipaeda, a parasitic nematode that infects the eyes of humans and other mammals, was incidentally identified in a 74-year-old female with a 20-year history of diabetes during surgery for diabetic tractional retinal detachment. The patient had presented with blurred vision in the right eye and reported poor hygiene habits, although no history of pet contact was noted. During the procedure, the parasite was discovered within the conjunctival sac, subsequently excised, and confirmed through pathological examination. Postoperative management included antibiotic eye drops, and at the three-month follow-up, her best-corrected visual acuity had improved to 6/120 with no signs of recurrence. This case underscores the importance of a comprehensive preoperative examination to facilitate timely detection of ocular parasites and prevent potential complications. It also emphasizes the need for clinician vigilance regarding Thelazia infection-especially among high-risk populations-as well as appropriate postoperative follow-up to reduce the risk of recurrence and optimize patient outcomes.
Gong et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
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