Talking Dirt

Parents always tell their children to stop eating dirt for all the obvious reasons, and some legitimate not so obvious reasons. An internet survey of nearly 600 ophthalmologists revealed that 68 patients were affected by a parasite disease known as ‘’ocular toxocariasis’’ (OT) during a recent one year period. OT, which can occur when a person ingests dirt contaminated with microscopic toxocara eggs (which can come from the feces of an infected dog or cat), can lead to permanent vision loss. As a preventive measure, pet owners are urged to have their dogs and cats dewormed, properly dispose of pet waste, and restrict children’s play to clean, safe areas.