A 10-year-old boy presented to our outpatient department with irritation in the right eye of 3 days duration. On examination, a small white thread-like material was observed in the upper punctum. On closer examination, it appeared to be a small nematode showing some movements in the lacrimal passage. Under topical anesthesia, the worm was pulled out with forceps (Figure). It was found to be a white live roundworm 5cm long and 1.5 mm thick. The worm was identified by the Parasitology Department of the Chennai Veterinary College and was confirmed to be a live female immature Ascaris lumbricoides (Figure, inset).
The visual acuity was normal in both eyes. There was no allergic manifestation either in the conjunctiva or in general. Slitlamp examination of the eye was normal. The right nasolacrimal duct was free. Stool examination for ova and cyst for Ascaris was negative. Total and differential count showed no eosinophilia. The patient did not return for follow-up evaluation.