Ophthalmomyiasis externa: A case report from Alkharj, Saudi Arabia

Ophthalmomyiasis is an infestation of mammalian eyes with larvae or maggots of certain flies. Oestrus ovis is the most common cause of human myiasis. This article reports a case of ophthalmomyiasis externa caused by Oestrus ovis (sheep nasal botfly) in a young healthy male, living in Al Kharj, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Patient presented with acute symptoms in left eye in April, mimicking as unilateral conjunctivitis/keratitis/external ocular foreign body/uveitis. Prompt diagnosis and mechanical removal of five live larvae from conjunctival fornices of the left eye under topical anaesthesia and cyclopentolate 1% eyedrops, not only relieved patient’s severe symptoms in a single day but also prevented rare yet sight threatening complications.