Ocular toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondiiwhich can affect various organs, including the eyes, leading to inflammation of the retina and the formation of scars that can directly interfere with the person’s vision.
Most cases of toxoplasmosis are congenital, that is, they happen when a pregnant woman has toxoplasmosis but does not receive the correct treatment, which increases the risk of the parasite reaching the baby, causing changes in their vision and development. Find out more about toxoplasmosis in pregnancy.
It is important that treatment for ocular toxoplasmosis is carried out as soon as the first signs and symptoms appear, as this makes it possible to prevent the development of the disease and total loss of vision.
Symptoms of ocular toxoplasmosis
The symptoms of ocular toxoplasmosis appear as the eye becomes inflamed and scars form, which can cause eye changes, which can occur in just one eye or affect both. The main symptoms of ocular toxoplasmosis are:
- Blurred vision;
- Floaters, which are dark spots that may appear in the field of vision;
- Greater sensitivity to light;
- Eye pain;
- Red eyes;
- Partial or total loss of vision.
In addition to the ocular symptoms, it is possible for the person to present other more general symptoms of toxoplasmosis such as headache, fever, muscle pain and sore throat, for example. Learn about other symptoms of toxoplasmosis.
Therefore, in the presence of signs and symptoms of ocular toxoplasmosis, it is important that the ophthalmologist is consulted so that they can evaluate the symptoms and carry out an ophthalmological examination and mapping of the retina to check whether there are scars on the retina that may be indicative of infection by the Toxoplasma gondii. Furthermore, to confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may request serology for toxoplasmosis, which corresponds to the measurement of IgG and IgM levels for toxoplasmosis.
Why does it happen
Ocular toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii which can be found in the digestive system of some cats and can be released into the environment through feces. People become infected through direct contact with contaminated feces, consumption of contaminated water or food or transplacentally, which is when the parasite passes from mother to baby during pregnancy.
In the case of ocular toxoplasmosis, the parasite affects the eyes and promotes progressive inflammation and scar formation, occurring in most cases due to contamination of the baby during pregnancy, being classified as congenital toxoplasmosis, however, it is possible for it to happen in people who have a weakened immune system due to diseases, such as HIV infection, for example.
How the treatment is carried out
Treatment for ocular toxoplasmosis aims to prevent the progression of the disease, as it is not capable of promoting retinal restoration. Thus, the ophthalmologist may recommend the use of antibiotics, such as trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, and corticosteroids, such as prednisone, to reduce the multiplication of the parasite and relieve inflammation, in addition to eye drops that also help to relieve inflammation and pain in the eyes. .
In the case of newborns with congenital toxoplasmosis, the doctor may recommend the use of pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine and folinic acid with the aim of reducing the risk of the parasite multiplying and, thus, preventing the progression of the disease. See more details on the treatment for toxoplasmosis.
