Question:
In 1982 I was diagnosed with toxoplasmosis in my left eye which resulted in a scar on my retina. I have read many web sites and see nothing about it affecting the eyes, is this rare and does the toxo go away over time? I know the scar is for life. Thank you Answer:
Toxoplasma infection is usually caused by ingesting the germ from animal feces, uncooked meats, or raw vegetables. Cooking kills the germ. When a pregnant woman becomes infected the germ can be transferred to the baby and among other problems may infect the eye. When the eye is infected the back of the eye in the retina is most often involved. The infection results in scarring in the retina which can interfere with vision depending upon which area of the retina is infected and how severe the infection may be. The germ often becomes inactive but can remain in the eye in a dormant state where it is “asleep”. Many years later the infection can begin again, usually along one of the edges of the previous scar. Antibiotics and steroid medications can be used to treat the infection.
Answered by:
Louis B. Cantor, MD
Categories:
Eye Conditions; Eye Diseases
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