Neuroretinitis is a disease that affects the outer retina and retinal pigment epithelium, causing vision loss, optic disc inflammation, and retinal lesions. It is often caused by worms and can be treated with laser surgery or invasive surgery if detected early. Annual eye exams are recommended.
Neuroretinitis is a disease that affects the outer retina and retinal pigment epithelium. In most cases, neuroretinitis affects only one eye, although some people experience damage in both eyes. Symptoms of this disease include vision loss, optic disc inflammation and loss, and retinal lesions. The precise cause of this disease is unknown, although some speculate that the toxic droppings of different types of worms play an important role in causing this disease.
This disease is progressive that slowly damages the eye. The early stage of the disease has some telltale signs associated with it. Slight loss of vision, eye pain, small clots called “floaters,” and an infected eye area are all part of the early stage. The advanced stage of neuroretinitis usually involves total loss of vision.
Neuroretinitis cannot always be detected with the naked eye. In some cases, an eye exam is the only way to find out the symptoms of this disease. A complete eye exam must be performed before neuroretinitis can be confirmed. Any person experiencing eye pain or vision loss should visit an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
In Latin America, the Caribbean and the southeastern United States, a species of worm has been identified as the main cause of this eye disease. This larval worm known as Ancylostoma canium frequently causes eye irritation and infection. In the northwestern part of the United States, a different type of worm known as Baylisascaris procyonis is thought to be linked to neuroretinitis.
Laser photocoagulation of the nematode is often the treatment prescribed by most medical experts. This form of laser surgery effectively eliminates any worms that remain within the eye area. In most cases, the disease does not continue to progress once the worms are destroyed. In other cases, the patient’s vision is restored, although this only occurs if the disease is detected early enough.
Another treatment option includes surgical invasion in the form of transvitreal roundworm removal. As with laser surgery, this treatment should be given to the patient as soon as possible. In many cases, patients undergoing invasive surgery retain their vision. As with most other eye diseases, the best way to combat this disease is to ensure early diagnosis. This is exactly why all people should have an annual eye exam. Although little is known about neuroretinitis, medical experts are hopeful that this disease can be stopped in its tracks through proper treatment measures.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
