Unilateral Vision Loss in a Child Revealing Ocular Toxocariasis

Abstract

Ocular toxocariasis is a parasitic infection caused by <i>Toxocara canis</i> or <i>T. cati</i>, typically affecting children and presenting as unilateral vision loss. This report describes a rare presentation of peripheral retinal vasculitis, a peripheral granuloma, and vitreoretinal traction in a seven-year-old child. A seven-year-old male presented with progressive visual loss in his left eye over three months. Ophthalmological examination revealed a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/20 in the right eye and counting fingers in the left eye. Fundus examination of the left eye showed peripheral retinal vasculitis, a yellow-white peripheral granuloma, and a fibrous vitreoretinal band extending from the lesion toward the posterior pole. B-scan ultrasonography confirmed vitreous condensation and focal retinal elevation. Serological testing for Toxocara (ELISA) was positive. The patient was treated with oral albendazole and systemic corticosteroids, followed by pars plana vitrectomy due to persistent vitreoretinal traction. At one-month follow-up, retinal architecture had stabilised, but visual acuity in the affected eye showed no improvement. This case highlights an uncommon presentation of ocular toxocariasis with peripheral retinal vasculitis and vitreoretinal traction, stressing the importance of early diagnosis and combined medical-surgical management to preserve visual function.