Ocular Toxoplasmosis

Ocular toxoplasmosis is a type of inner eye infection that is caused by toxoplasma gondii, a single-celled parasite that can be transmitted through food contamination or exposure to infected cat litter. It can also be passed from mother to fetus during pregnancy through the placenta. Patients most vulnerable to this type of infection are those with immunodeficiencies. Symptoms include eye pain and blurriness. In severe cases, ocular toxoplasmosis can cause permanent vision loss. The most common treatment options are anti-parasitic medications, antibiotics, and corticosteroids. In some cases, surgery may be recommended

Ocular toxoplasmosis is also one of the most common infectious causes of posterior uveitis in the U.S. Posterior uveitis is characterized by inflammation of the choroid tissue between the retina and the sclera and can have a significant impact on the retina and optic nerve’s ability to function properly.

You can learn more about ocular toxoplasmosis from the AAO here.