Ophthalmomyiasis - commonly known as (Lura) or (Kumacık), is a rapidly developing eye disease caused by contact with the larva or worm form thrown from a fly, with the membrane covering the white part of the eye, that is, the conjunctiva or its lids. It is caused by organisms called myiasis flies, belonging to the Schizophora series of the Diphtera order.
Oestrus ovislarvae is the most common cause of ophthalmomyiasis in the world. Mature larvae fall to the ground and enter the cocoon. Three to six weeks later, they emerge from the cocoon and the life cycle continues. Adult flies are 12 mm in size and black-brown in color. Humans are an accidental host in this cycle.
While the larvae usually settle in the eyelids and conjunctiva, they can rarely penetrate the conjunctiva and the eyeball. It is then defined as orbital ophthalmomyiasis or ophthalmomyiasis interna and can lead to blindness. Superficial (externa) Ophthalmomyiasis is usually self-limiting. As clinical symptoms, severe burning, foreign body sensation, tearing, bleeding and rapid swelling are observed in the eye. Since the person exposed to this condition is often individuals engaged in animal husbandry, they realize that a fly has thrown a worm into their eye. Although ophthalmomyiasis is seen in many parts of the world, it is especially common in underdeveloped areas where farm animals are common. Mature ovis flies lay eggs on the edge of the nostrils of sheep and goats. It is most commonly observed in the Middle East, Africa and Central America. Ophthalmomyiasis of the eye is a parasitic disease that can be encountered, albeit rarely, in our region, but can be diagnosed with a careful eye examination. It is seen in the spring and summer months.
Treatment should be done by immediately consulting an ophthalmologist. The symptoms decrease and end within 1-2 days by removing the larvae (worms) from the eye with the help of pain-relieving drops, and then administering drops containing antibiotics and preventing pain and swelling.
Recently, cases have also been encountered in citizens living in cities.
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