Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Ocular larva migrans
Introduction
Ocular larva migrans is the ocular form of the larva migrans syndrome that occurs when toxocara canis larvae invade the eye. They may be associated with visceral larva migrans. Unilateral visual disturbances, strabismus, and eye pain are the most common presenting symptoms.
Exam findings
Exam findings
The disease presents with an eosinophilic granulomatous mass, most commonly in the posterior pole of the retina. The granulmatous mass develops around the entrapped larva, in an attempt to contain the spread of the larva.
Differential diagnosis
Differential diagnosis
The retinal lesion can mimic retinoblastoma in appearance, and mistaken diagnosis of the latter condition can lead to unnecessary enucleation.
Complications
Complications
The eye involvement can cause the following inflammatory disorders:
Epidemiology
Epidemiology
In contrast to visceral larva migrans, ocular toxocariasis usually develops in older children or young adults with no history of pica. These patients seldom have eosinophilia or visceral manifestations.