Ocular manifestations of toxocariasis in children: a literature review

Ocular toxocariasis is a parasitic zoonosis caused by the larval migration of Toxocara spp., with a significant impact on children's visual health, especially in vulnerable populations exposed to rural environments and domestic animals. This study aimed to describe the main clinical manifestations and epidemiological profile of ocular toxocariasis in children through a literature review. The methodology consisted of a bibliographic survey conducted exclusively on the Virtual Health Library (VHL) database, using descriptors related to the topic. After applying eligibility criteria, six articles published between 2020 and 2025 were selected for analysis. The results revealed a predominance of cases in boys aged 0 to 10 years, residing in rural areas, with symptoms such as decreased visual acuity, strabismus, and leukocoria. The most frequent ophthalmological findings were retinal granuloma and retinal detachment, the latter being associated with irreversible visual loss. It is concluded that ocular toxocariasis represents a serious public health problem in childhood, requiring preventive actions, early diagnosis, and enhanced epidemiological surveillance.