AUTHOR=Atanasova Milena Atanasova , Blazhev Alexander Bozhidarov , Milanova Elka Tzvetanova , Petrova Lidiya Plamenova 

TITLE=Human ophthalmomyiasis caused by Oestrus ovis in Bulgaria: Case Report

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Ophthalmology

VOLUME=Volume 5 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/ophthalmology/articles/10.3389/fopht.2025.1689524

DOI=10.3389/fopht.2025.1689524

ISSN=2674-0826

ABSTRACT=Ophthalmomyiasis is an uncommon parasitic infestation of the human eye caused by dipteran larvae, most frequently Oestrus ovis. It is rarely reported in temperate countries such as Bulgaria. We present a case of external ophthalmomyiasis in a 35-year-old urban resident, with no livestock exposure, caused by O. ovis. Larvae were morphologically identified after extraction. Approximately 30 motile larvae were mechanically removed over several days. Microscopy confirmed first-instar O. ovis larvae. Treatment included systemic and topical antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, and eye irrigation, resulting in complete recovery. This case of ophthalmomyiasis demonstrated that infestation can occur among urban residents without direct contact with livestock. Early recognition and mechanical removal are essential to prevent ocular damage.