Worm Removal

Ref 14

         Surgical removal of the worm from the eye is easily performed after paralyzing the worm with a few drops of cocaine (4%). Patients can be treated with either DEC (Diethyl-carbamazine) or Ivermectin. However, both drugs may cause severe encephalitis, coma, or death in persons with high microfilariae loads. Typical doses of DEC are 2mg/kg body weight three times a day for 3 weeks. Ivermectin is usually given at 200 mcg/kg body weight every 3 months for 2 years. Both drugs kill the microfilariae but not the adult worms.

         DEC can be taken as a prophylactic at 300mg once a week.