Oestrus ovis as a Cause of Red Eye in Aljabal Algharbi, Libya

PURPOSE: To study the common presenting signs of external ophthalmomyiasis caused by Oestrus ovis larvae in Aljabal Algharbi province, Libya. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective non- comparative study was conducted from September 2009 to July 2010 at the Gharian outpatient clinic, Gharian, Aljabal Algharbi, Libya. The common presenting features of patients with external ophthalmomyiasis and data on the organism that caused the disease were collected. RESULTS: Twenty one cases diagnosed with external ophthalmomyiasis were recorded. There were fourteen males (66.67%) and seven females (33.33%) in the cohort. The mean age was 14.29 ± 3.46 years (range, 8 years to 22 years: males; 13.39 ± 3.03 years and females; 16.67 ± 3.75 years). The main complaint was redness (100.00%), itching (71.43%) and tearing (57.14%). Twelve patients (57.14%) were from rural areas and 9 patients (42.9%) were from urban areas. The causative organism was found to be first instar of Oestrus ovis larvae. CONCLUSION: External ophthalmomyiasis caused by Oestrus ovis can cause red eye in patients from Aljabal Algharbi, Libya and requires careful examination to ensure early diagnosis and proper treatment.