External ophthalmomyiasis: a case series and review of ophthalmomyiasis in Turkey

Abstract

Ophthalmomyiasis externa is the infestation of the superficial external ocular structures by fly larvae. This is a particularly rare condition, which has nevertheless been reported in several countries worldwide. It is common in sheep-farming areas, especially in Mediterranean countries. The patients may present with classic conjunctivitis, pseudomembranous conjunctivitis, conjunctival hemorrhages, punctuate keratitis, keratouveitis, and eyelid edema with erythema. Herein, we present three cases of external ophthalmomyiasis caused by Oestrus ovis larvae and review ophthalmomyiasis cases reported from Turkey.