"Eye infections, in contrast ... caused by the larval stages of pentastomid parasites. Most human infections occur in the tropics and subtropics," says the journal paper. Tongue worms grow ...

This particular eye worm species has never been documented in humans, making Beckley’s case particularly unique, and a bit frightening. However, identifying the worms was only half the battle.

She was prescribed eye drops to keep her eyes moist ... Thelazia are a group of nematodes and veterinary parasites that can occasionally infect humans, called a zoonotic infection, according ...

While adult worms reside in rodents, their larvae are excreted in faeces and can be transmitted to humans through contaminated snails or slugs. In humans, the larvae do not mature into adults but ...