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29 March 2024

Dubai doctors remove 12cm worm from woman's eyelid

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By Staff

Doctors at a local hospital in Dubai have operated and treated a rare parasitic eye infection of a patient.

The 55-year-old woman was suffering from sudden swelling of the eyelid and had visited different clinics and underwent various tests but the results showed nothing alarming.

Dr. Vikram Mohindra, Aster Hospital’s ophthalmologist, said the patient was found suffering from a parasitic infection called Dirofilariasis caused by mosquito bites.

Led by Dr. Mohindra, the surgical team extracted a 12cm filarial worm and the patient’s eyelid was repaired. The patient has now recovered as the disease was found at an early stage.

“The case is also a good example of encouraging patients to pay attention to what their bodies are telling them and have it checked by physicians when something is not normal – it can save lives,” said Dr Mohindra.

Patient Mrs. Vineeta M. said: “It pays to trust your instincts – mine in seeking a second opinion and Dr. Mohindra for investigating my case. My life is back to normal now and I can see without obstruction or discomfort.”

According to the Journal of Parasitic Diseases, there are 800 reported cases worldwide of Dirofilariasis since it was first documented in 1885.

However, there is an alarming concern of increased incidence and it is now considered an emerging zoonosis or disease coming from animals.