Thelazia was seen in very Eastern Europe and Asia predominantly for a long time, but is now widespread through Europe, with France, Italy and more recently Spain being the highest risk countries. It is particularly common in the Dordogne region of France. It is spread by a species of fruit flies that are attracted to the eye area, where they feed.

Symptoms

• The worms live under the third eyelids causing irritation.
• Eye discharges, redness, swelling and itchiness are typical symptoms.
• Some dogs develop ongoing eye sensitivity even after successful treatment, prevention is ideal even though this disease is one of the least dangerous ones encountered abroad.

Prevention

• Some of the drugs used to prevent Heartworm and tick borne diseases will prevent against Eye worm.
• Luckily it is easy to treat, the worms can be flushed out of the eyes and parasite medications will kill the worms.
• This can affect humans too.