Thiruvananthapuram, May 8: In a rare and precision driven procedure, doctors at KIMSHEALTH, successfully removed a live parasitic worm from the eye of a patient, without causing any damage to the vision. The 37 year old patient from Tamilnadu reported to the Department of Emergency Medicine, KIMSHEALTH, complaining of irritation, swelling and pain of the right eye for the past two days. She was promptly referred to the Department of Ophthalmology, for further evaluation.
A detailed examination of the eye revealed a live worm measuring 10 cm, lodged beneath the conjunctiva. Acting swiftly, the medical team, led by Dr. Asgar Abbas, Consultant, Ophthalmology, meticulously extracted the worm in its entirety, avoiding the risk of any infection or complications. “Timely diagnosis and immediate intervention are crucial in such conditions. Any delay could have led to serious complications, including potential damage to the vision. This case underscores the importance of early medical attention and clinical precision” said Dr.Abbas.
The worm identified as Dirofilaria parasite commonly found in cats, dogs, and other animals spreads through mosquito bites. Though the worm does not survive in the human body, in rare cases it can develop just below the skin layer, and other areas of the body, especially around the eyes. In India, only a very few cases have been reported so far.
