TREATMENT: The treatment of ocular toxocariasis can vary because of the variable natural course of the disease. Observation can be appropriate for asymptomatic ocular toxocariasis without evidence of inflammation or retinal detachment. Corticosteroids whether topical, subconjunctival, subtenon, oral, or intravenous can be used depending on the site and severity of inflammation. Cycloplegic agents can be used for cases involving anterior segment inflammation to prevent the development of posterior synechiae. Anti-helminthic agents have been shown to be beneficial , although these reports are not conclusive and are not based on controlled trials. Some systemic anti-helminthic agents can penetrate the blood-ocular barrier (1). When severe intraocular complications, such as a cyclitic membrane or a retinal detachment appear inevitable, early vitrectomy to eliminate vitreous traction from the surface of the granuloma should be undertaken. The motile nematode larva can be destroyed by laser photocoagulation if the organism is at least 3 mm from the foveola (2,3,4).

1. Maguire AM, Zarbin MA, Connor TB, Justin J. Ocular penetration of thiabendazole. Arch Ophthalmol 1990; 108:1675.

2. Shields JA. Ocular toxocariasis. A review. Surv Ophthalmol 1984; 28:361-81.

3. Molk R. Ocular toxocariasis. A review of the literature. Ann Ophthalmol 1983; 15:216- 31.