What causes ocular toxoplasmosis?

Ocular toxoplasmosis is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which infects the eye tissue and triggers inflammation in the retina or choroid. Most people acquire this parasite through undercooked meat, contaminated water, or contact with infected cat feces. The parasite can remain dormant in the body for years before reactivating in the eye, causing sudden vision problems, floaters, and eye pain.

What is the best test for ocular toxoplasmosis?

The Toxoplasma Antibody (IgG) blood test is the most important test for ocular toxoplasmosis because it detects antibodies your immune system produces in response to Toxoplasma gondii infection. A positive IgG result confirms you have been exposed to the parasite, which helps your eye doctor connect your eye inflammation to this specific infection. This blood test is essential for supporting the clinical diagnosis when your ophthalmologist sees characteristic eye lesions during examination, as it confirms the parasite is the underlying cause of your vision problems.

When should I get tested for ocular toxoplasmosis?

You should get tested if you experience sudden blurred vision, eye pain, floaters, light sensitivity, or notice dark spots in your vision that do not go away. Testing is especially important if you have a weakened immune system, are pregnant, or have been diagnosed with unexplained eye inflammation by an ophthalmologist. Early detection through blood testing helps confirm the diagnosis and allows for prompt treatment to prevent permanent vision damage.

What are the symptoms of ocular toxoplasmosis?

Ocular toxoplasmosis symptoms include blurred or decreased vision, floaters that look like spots or cobwebs, eye pain or redness, and sensitivity to bright light. You might also notice a dark spot in your central vision or experience vision loss in one eye. Some people have mild symptoms initially, while others experience sudden and severe vision changes that require immediate medical attention.

Who is at risk for ocular toxoplasmosis?

People with weakened immune systems from HIV/AIDS, cancer treatment, or organ transplant medications are at highest risk for ocular toxoplasmosis. Individuals who were infected with Toxoplasma gondii during pregnancy or early childhood are more likely to develop eye complications later in life. Cat owners, people who eat undercooked meat, and those who garden without gloves also have increased exposure to the parasite.

What happens if ocular toxoplasmosis is left untreated?

Untreated ocular toxoplasmosis can cause permanent vision loss, retinal scarring, and damage to the macula, which is responsible for central vision. The inflammation can spread to other parts of the eye, leading to complications like glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal detachment. Repeated episodes of reactivation can occur over time, causing progressive vision deterioration and potentially leading to blindness in the affected eye if not properly managed.

Can ocular toxoplasmosis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Ocular toxoplasmosis is diagnosed through a combination of blood tests and eye examination findings. The Toxoplasma Antibody (IgG) blood test confirms exposure to the parasite, but the diagnosis is ultimately made when your eye doctor sees characteristic retinal lesions during a dilated eye exam. Blood testing plays a crucial supporting role by confirming that Toxoplasma gondii is present in your body, which strengthens the clinical diagnosis when combined with the visual evidence of infection in your eye.

How is ocular toxoplasmosis treated?

Ocular toxoplasmosis is treated with antiparasitic medications like pyrimethamine combined with sulfadiazine, often along with corticosteroids to reduce eye inflammation. Treatment typically lasts several weeks and aims to control the active infection while preventing permanent eye damage. Your ophthalmologist will monitor your progress with regular eye exams and may adjust medications based on how well the inflammation responds. In some cases, long-term suppressive therapy is needed to prevent recurrence.

How can I prevent ocular toxoplasmosis?

Prevent ocular toxoplasmosis by cooking meat to safe internal temperatures, washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and avoiding unpasteurized dairy products. Wear gloves when gardening or handling soil, and wash your hands after contact with cats or cleaning litter boxes. Pregnant women should avoid changing cat litter entirely, as infection during pregnancy can lead to serious complications. If you have a weakened immune system, take extra precautions to avoid exposure to the parasite.

What can I do at home for ocular toxoplasmosis?

While medical treatment is essential for ocular toxoplasmosis, you can support your recovery at home by resting your eyes, wearing sunglasses to reduce light sensitivity, and avoiding activities that strain your vision. Maintain a healthy immune system through proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and stress management. Follow your treatment plan exactly as prescribed and attend all follow-up appointments with your eye doctor. Never attempt to self-treat this condition, as it requires prescription medications and professional monitoring to prevent permanent vision loss.

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Ocular Toxoplasmosis Blood Test

What is Ocular Toxoplasmosis?

Ocular toxoplasmosis is a parasitic eye infection that causes inflammation of the retina and choroid, leading to blurred vision, eye pain, and potential vision loss. It is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which infects the eye tissue and triggers an immune response. The Toxoplasma Antibody (IgG) blood test is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects antibodies indicating exposure to the parasite.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

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