AbstractIntroduction: Ocular cysticercosis is a parasitic infection caused by larvae of Taenia solium. Occurring in 10-30% of the infected patients in endemic areas and may be extraocular or intraocular. It is one of the neglected tropical diseases. It may cause significant visual loss if not treated in time. Here we report three cases of ophthalmic cysticercosis in school going children, all of whom were vegetarian by diet. Each case was unique representing different clinical features and treatment requirements. Case Series: Case 1: A five year old school going female presented with painless nodular swelling in her left eye for 3months. On examination, she had a sub conjunctival nodule measuring 7mm x 6mm, about 3mm nasal to the limbus. Her radiological findings revealed a well-defined cystic lesion with well-defined eccentric hyperintensity suggestive of extraocular cysticercosis. Patient underwent surgical excision of the cyst, histopathological examination of which showed features of cysticercosis cellulosae. Case 2: A fourteenyear- old male presented with nodular painless swelling in the lateral aspect of the left eye since 8 years. Ocular examination revealed swelling measuring 13mm x 11mm about 6mm temporal to limbus. Clinical and radiological findings were suggestive of sub conjunctival cysticercosis. Patient was taken for surgical excision of the cyst. Histopathological examination revealed cyst of Taenia solium confirming the diagnosis of extraocular cysticercosis left eye infiltrating lateral rectus muscle. Case 3: An eleven-year-old girl, vegetarian by diet presented with complaints of blurred vision and floaters in right eye for 3 weeks. On retinal examination, a single translucent vitreous cyst was found which on ultrasound scans had features suggestive of intravitreal cysticercosis. Patient was taken up for pars plana vitrectomy for the removal of the cyst, which was removed piecemeal. Conclusion: Ocular cysticercosis, a neglected parasitic disease is nowa- days emerging as a common disease in the tropics. The diagnosis is mainly based on clinical features and radiology. Consciousness about importance of early diagnosis, appropriate surgical management and medical management with appropriate anthelminthic drugs should be increased among clinicians with community and personal hygiene measures for prevention of its spread.
Keywords: Ocular Cysticercosis; School-Going Children; Eye Disease.