Vitrectomy for excision of intraocular larva (hypoderma species)

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Parasitology
• Surgical Case Report

Background:

• Intraocular parasitic infections are uncommon but can cause significant visual impairment.
• Uveitis, inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, can have various causes, including infectious agents.

Observation:

• A 2-year-old girl presented with a 2-month history of anterior and posterior uveitis.
• An intravitreal larva, later identified as Hypoderma species, was the suspected cause of the uveitis.

Findings:

• Pars plana vitrectomy successfully removed the intraocular larva.
• The patient later developed combined traction/rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and epiretinal membrane formation.
• A second surgical intervention was required to address the retinal complications.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering parasitic infections in pediatric uveitis.
• Prompt surgical intervention can lead to favorable visual outcomes even in complex cases.
• Pars plana vitrectomy is an effective technique for removing intraocular parasites and managing subsequent complications.