Ophthalmomyiasis externa due to Oestrus ovis (Sheep botfly)

History and clinical data The case of a 22-year-old woman is presented. The patient complained of a severe foreign-body sensation, immediately after being back at home from vacation in Greece, The eye showed redness and hyperaemia. The cornea was slightly clouded. On the tarsal plate white larvae of an approximate length of 1,5 mm and width of 0,5 mm were moving. The visual acuity was 1,0 and the inner parts of the eye were clinically inconspicuous. Treatment and follow up The parasites were removed and preserved. After instillation of Betaisodona into the conjunctival sac antibiotics (Aureomycin) were prescribed. After 2 days the clinical signs had disappeared nearly completely. An ENT-examination showed regular findings. The larva was identified as a first-instar larva of Oestrus ovis. This insect causes external ophthalmomyiasis. The larva develops into an adult fly. O. ovis is well known as a parasite in the nasal cavities of domestic sheep and goats. Conclusion The infestation of a human eye with maggots of a fly is a rare disease. The parasites are very mobile and clinical signs are variable. A penetration into the eye is possible. Since people have been travelling more often the infection with parasites has a greater probability, although these insects are living in central Europe and in Germany.