An unusual intraocular tongue worm in anterior chamber: a case report.

PURPOSE

To present an interesting case of intraocular Linguatula serrata in a 5-year-old boy.

DESIGN

Case report.

METHODS

Visual acuity testing, biomicroscopic slit-lamp examination, and indirect ophthalmoscopy were performed on a 5-year-old boy with a progressively enlarging white lesion in the anterior chamber of the right eye.

RESULTS

The worm was found in the anterior chamber, attached firmly to the peripheral iris with free-floating tail. The living worm, which grew progressively over 2 months, caused a mild anterior chamber reaction with marginally raised intraocular pressure. The worm was removed surgically in toto. This is the first documentation of human ocular pentastomiasis in India.

CONCLUSIONS

An adult worm in the anterior chamber is apparently rare and can present even with a quiet eye. Surgical removal is essential. However, visual prognosis is good.