Loa loa filariasis, (Loiasis) is a skin and eye disease caused by the nematode worm Loa loa. Humans contract this disease through the bite of a deer fly (Chrysops spp.) or mango fly, the vectors for Loa loa. The adult Loa loa filarial worm can reach from three to seven centimetres long and migrates throughout the subcutaneous tissues of humans, occasionally crossing into subconjunctival tissues of the eye where it can be easily observed. Loa loa does not normally affect vision but can be painful

The thread-like worm Loa Loa swimming around inside the eye! This was taken prior to the surgical removal of a loa loa worm from the subconjunctival tissue of the eye. As previously discussed, Loa loa is a blood dwelling nematode that is parasitic in humans and passes through the repeated bites of deerflies. The adult worm wanders through the subcutaneous tissue but is most obvious as it crosses the conjunctiva of the eye hence leading to its common name, the African eye worm. Like all roundworm