02/01/2026
LOA LOA WORM IN THE EYE (African Eye Worm)
Have you ever seen a worm moving across the eye? This alarming condition is caused by Loa loa, a parasitic worm transmitted through the bite of deer flies (Chrysops), commonly found in parts of Central and West Africa.
🔹 What happens?
The adult worm migrates under the skin and can pass across the white part of the eye, causing fear, irritation, redness, and pain.
🔹 Common symptoms
Worm visibly moving in the eye
Eye itching, tearing, or pain
Transient swellings under the skin (Calabar swellings)
Sometimes no symptoms apart from the eye movement
🔹 Is it dangerous?
Seeing the worm in the eye is dramatic but usually not blinding. However, treatment must be done carefully by health professionals.
🔹 Treatment
Medical treatment with antiparasitic drugs under supervision
Sometimes the worm is surgically removed from the eye
🔹 Prevention
Avoid bites from deer flies
Use insect repellents
Wear protective clothing in endemic areas
đź“Ś Early presentation to a health facility is important. Do not attempt to remove the worm yourself.
Health education saves sight and lives.
