Ocular toxoplasmosis is an eye infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which damages the retina.
How ocular toxoplasmosis affects vision
The parasite creates areas of active inflammation and scarring in the light-sensitive retina. This can lead to blurred vision, floaters, and sometimes distortion.
- Symptoms often include misty sight and dark spots in the field of vision
- Episodes may recur, with old scars reactivating at the edges
- Infection can occur after birth or be present from early life
- People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe disease
Diagnosis and treatment
Timely treatment helps limit permanent retinal damage and preserve vision. Care is usually shared between an eye specialist and sometimes an infectious disease team.
- Diagnosis is based on retinal examination, blood tests, and sometimes scans
- Treatment typically involves combinations of anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory medicines
- Regular monitoring checks for reactivation or new scarring
- Patients should seek urgent review if they notice new floaters or blurred areas
