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My girlfriend has a parasitic eye infection. Is it contagious?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My girlfriend had some irritation in her eye. So, we went to the doctor, who said she has a parasite in her eye. After reading about it on the internet, I am worried that she might go blind. It is a very new relationship, so I wanted to know if it is contagious?

Answered by Dr. Bandivadekar Pooja Mohan

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Bandivadekar Pooja Mohan is a skilled Ophthalmologist with expertise in comprehensive eye examinations, cataract and refractive surgeries, glaucoma management, corneal and retinal disorders, and pediatric eye care. She is also experienced in diagnosing and treating common and complex vision problems, performing minor ocular procedures, and providing preventive eye health counseling.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The parasite inside the eye is usually, cysticercus or hydatid. It is not transmitted through natural sexual routes. It is usually ingested through food. Some parasites, for example, lice or mites infesting the eyelashes are transmitted through physical contact. But, they are easily treatable without any long-standing damage. The parasites mentioned above that reside inside the eye are rare and not transmitted through vaginal sex. However, some rare parasites may be transmitted through the skin. Investigations to be done include. Dilated retinal examination, Toxoplasma antibody IgG and IgM and CT scan of the head and orbit for cysticercosis. I advice you to take Antihelminthic, Azithromycin for toxoplasmosis and Steroids to control inflammation. Also, certain infections like toxoplasmosis are bloodborne. So, kindly ascertain with an ophthalmologist about the type and location of the parasite. So, we can guide you more conclusively.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis includes Toxoplasmosis, Cysticercosis, Hydatid cyst, and Demodex blepharitis.
Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At July 26, 2018
Reviewed At July 5, 2023

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Bandivadekar Pooja Mohan is a skilled Ophthalmologist with expertise in comprehensive eye examinations, cataract and refractive surgeries, glaucoma management, corneal and retinal disorders, and pediatric eye care. She is also experienced in diagnosing and treating common and complex vision problems, performing minor ocular procedures, and providing preventive eye health counseling.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Bandivadekar Pooja Mohan is a skilled Ophthalmologist with expertise in comprehensive eye examinations, cataract and refractive surgeries, glaucoma management, corneal and retinal disorders, and pediatric eye care. She is also experienced in diagnosing and treating common and complex vision problems, performing minor ocular procedures, and providing preventive eye health counseling.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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