Ocular toxoplasmosis is one of the most common causes of retinal inflammation worldwide. It’s caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which affects the choroid and retina.

🧬 Types of Infection:
1️⃣ Congenital Toxoplasmosis

Transmitted in utero

Often bilateral involvement

Retinal scarring → vision loss

2️⃣ Acquired Toxoplasmosis

Infection occurs during life

Typically unilateral

Can manifest at any age

🧯 Symptoms:
“Floaters” in vision

Blurred or decreased vision

Eye pain, redness, tearing (not always)

Frequent relapses

🧪 Diagnosis:
✔️ Ophthalmoscopy

✔️ OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography)

✔️ Fluorescein Angiography

✔️ Serologic tests (IgG, IgM for T. gondii)

✔️ PCR for parasite DNA (in complex cases)

👁 Possible Complications:
Irreversible vision loss

Retinal scarring

Retinal detachment

Macular damage

Secondary glaucoma

⚠️ How Can You Get Infected?
1️⃣ Foodborne Transmission:
🍖 Undercooked meat
🥛 Unpasteurized milk
🥗 Unwashed vegetables and fruits
🚰 Contaminated water

2️⃣ Contact Transmission:
🐾 Cat feces, soil
🧼 Poor hand hygiene

3️⃣ Vertical (Transplacental):
👶 From mother to fetus — especially dangerous during pregnancy

4️⃣ Blood and Tissue Exposure:
🩸 Through transfusion or transplantation (rare)

🛡 Prevention:
✔️ Wash hands and produce thoroughly

✔️ Cook meat properly

✔️ Pregnant women should avoid cat litter

✔️ Get screened when planning pregnancy

✔️ Regular eye check-ups

📌 Vision is priceless. Know your risks and protect your eyes!