Factors in the pathogenesis of ocular onchocerciasis.

This article briefly reviews the history and distribution of Onchocerca volvulus, and the disease for which it is responsible. The importance is stressed of ophthalmic examination, as opposed to clinical inspection, in determining the incidence of onchocerciasis in a region, such as the Sudan, where eye diseases are common. A description of the ocular manifestations of the infection is given, and their etiology is discussed.