Sudden Blindness in Children Passing Roundworm Per Oral

Abstract

Background: Ascaris lumbricoides infestation is the most prevalent parasitic infection among the children in tropical and developing countries but the incidence of sudden blindness after passing the worm per oral is undocumented. The lag period depends on the prodromes. Investigations reveal mere raised eosinophilic count and decreased hemoglobin with normal CT scan and CSF examination. Materials: Ten cases of sudden blindness investigated and treated at various centers without any positive response attending our center after 30-45 days of incidence from January 2018 to March 2019, were selected. Methods: Selected patients’ parents were interrogated for the course of disease, treatment taken and their response. Patients were clinically examined, investigated for basic bioparameters, vision and were treated with the prescribed regime-containing pyridoxine, methylcobalamin, nicotinamide, pantothenic acid and herbal neurovitalizer composite. Results: All patients had progressive vision gain and attained complete vision after 6 months therapy without any adversity and residual effect or any alteration in hepatorenal profile. Conclusion: Sudden blindness in children after passing roundworm or with history of roundworm must be suspected for photoreceptor blockade by roundworm toxin and be treated with pyridoxine and herbal neurovitalizer to assure complete recovery.