When we think about vision problems, we usually imagine things like weak eyesight, infections, or cataracts. But for a 35-year-old man from Madhya Pradesh, his eye condition turned out to be something far more shocking—a live worm moving inside his eye! This rare case, treated at AIIMS Bhopal, left doctors amazed and highlighted the dangers of consuming undercooked meat.

A Troubling Mystery: The Man’s Vision Worsens

For days, the man suffered from blurred vision, redness, and irritation in his eye. He consulted multiple doctors who prescribed medicines, but nothing worked. His eyesight kept getting worse. Desperate for answers, he visited AIIMS Bhopal, hoping for a solution.

What the doctors discovered was beyond imagination—a one-inch-long worm wriggling inside his eye! This parasite had made its way into his vitreous gel (the jelly-like substance inside the eye), something that only a few cases in the world have ever recorded.

A High-Risk, Delicate Surgery

Removing a live, moving worm from the eye is no easy task. The biggest challenge for the medical team was that the parasite wasn’t staying still—it was actively moving, trying to escape! Any wrong move could damage the eye permanently.

A team of expert surgeons, led by Dr. Samendra Karkur, Chief Retina Surgeon at AIIMS Bhopal, took charge of the procedure. The doctors first used a high-precision laser to immobilize the worm. This step was crucial because an active worm could cause further complications. Once the parasite stopped moving, they performed a vitreo-retinal surgery to carefully extract it.

The surgery was successful, and the patient’s condition stabilized. His vision is now gradually improving, though he remains under observation to ensure a full recovery.

What Was This Worm, and How Did It Enter the Eye?

The removed parasite was identified as Gnathostoma Spinigerum, a dangerous worm that can enter the human body in several ways:

✔ Eating raw or undercooked meat (especially fish, chicken, or pork)
✔ Drinking contaminated water
✔ Poor hygiene practices

Once inside the body, this worm can migrate to different organs like the skin, brain, or eyes, causing severe infections and even life-threatening complications.

Lessons from This Case: How to Stay Safe

This rare case is a wake-up call about the dangers of consuming improperly cooked food. Here are some important lessons from this incident:

• Cook Meat Properly – Always ensure meat (especially pork, fish, or chicken) is well-cooked before eating.
• Drink Clean Water – Avoid drinking contaminated or untreated water.
• Maintain Hygiene – Wash your hands, vegetables, and kitchen surfaces properly.
• Be Alert to Eye Symptoms – If you notice persistent redness, irritation, or vision problems, don’t ignore them—seek medical help immediately.

Final Thoughts

This incredible case from AIIMS Bhopal shows us how small lifestyle choices can have big health consequences. Something as simple as eating undercooked meat can introduce dangerous parasites into the body. Thanks to the expertise of Dr. Karkur and his team, the patient’s eyesight was saved, but this case serves as a strong reminder to prioritize food safety and hygiene