Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare but serious eye infection caused by the parasite Acanthamoeba, which can lead to vision loss and even blindness if not treated promptly. It affects approximately 1 to 33 cases per million contact lens wearers annually in developed countries.  Representative image: FreePik
MedBound Blog

Rare 10 cm Live Worm Removed from Mumbai Man’s Eye

Unusual Eye Pain Leads to Shocking Discovery

MBT Desk

What started as a small eye itch turned into a medical shock for 60-year-old Shivkumar from Mumbai. Having experienced a gnawing stinging in his eye while taking his morning walk, he initially dismissed it as a common hassle. But when the pain worsened and the eye began to turn red, he headed for a medical checkup, an act which turned out to be life-saving.

A Critical Diagnosis by an Expert Eye Surgeon

Shivkumar consulted an eye specialist Dr. Devanshi Shah, who was shocked to find a 10-centimeter-long living worm in his eye. The case was not only rare but also one of serious health risk. Dr. Shah pointed out that if the worm had entered vital organs like the heart or brain, it could have led to serious cardiovascular or neurological conditions, even death.

During morning walk, I felt a pricking pain in my eye. I came back and used eyedrops and had some rest. Later, my eye turned blood-red. This was when I decided to see Dr. Devanshi Shah as recommended by my brother.
Shivkumar, The Patient

Successful Surgery and Swift Action Saved His Sight

Notifying of the time-sensitive nature, Dr. Shah performed a complex eye surgery right away to safely eradicate the worm. The rarity of the case indicated delicacy and caution were the order of the day.

It is also difficult to diagnose such cases. Also, it could be dangerous if instant action is not taken.
Dr. Devanshi Shah, Eye specialist

The patient recovers in relief and gratitude.

Shivakumar's vision is now back to normal after the surgery, and he no longer has any pain. Grateful to the timely treatment, Shivkumar and Sunil thank Dr. Shah with all their heart for his early diagnosis and professional treatment.

In one of the most bizarre cases, doctors in China removed more than 60 live worms from a woman's eyes. The parasites were believed to be roundworms of the Filarioidea type, possibly transmitted through contact with infected animals.

A Reminder to Never Ignore Unusual Symptoms

This strange phenomenon highlights the importance of never brushing aside repeated or unusual symptoms, especially when they are in your eyes. What may feel like a minor irritant could be a sign of something very sinister. Experts indicate that timely medical care can be the difference-maker, as it was for Shivakumar.

A Medical Rarity That Ended Well

In instances of live worms entering the human eye, incidents are extremely rare, and the following is one such instance, which is also a medical miracle and an educational experience. But thanks to Dr. Shah's prompt intervention and Shivakumar's arrival at the opportune moment, the achievement was possible, not only keeping his eyesight intact, but quite possibly even his life too.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal Arshad/MSM)

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