In simple words: River blindness is an infection caused by a parasitic worm. It's spread by the bites of infected blackflies found near rivers in some parts of Africa and South America.The infection can cause intense itching, skin problems, and vision loss, including blindness, sometimes along with increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma).

Onchocerciasis with glaucoma refers to a manifestation of onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, with increased intraocular pressure. It is caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus, transmitted through repeated bites of infected blackflies (Simulium spp.) that breed in fast-flowing rivers and streams, predominantly in remote villages near fertile agricultural lands. The adult worms produce microfilariae that migrate to the skin, eyes, and other organs, causing inflammatory responses. In the eyes, this inflammation can lead to elevated intraocular pressure, corneal scarring, optic nerve atrophy, and ultimately, blindness.

Example 1: A patient presents with itchy eyes, redness, and sensitivity to light after returning from a trip to Africa. Examination reveals increased intraocular pressure and corneal inflammation, and PCR confirms Onchocerca volvulus infection., A resident of a rural African village near a river develops progressive vision loss and is found to have corneal scarring and optic nerve atrophy due to chronic onchocerciasis with glaucoma., A patient with a history of onchocerciasis develops increased intraocular pressure, prompting treatment to prevent further vision damage from glaucoma.

Documentation should include travel history, duration and nature of symptoms, ophthalmologic findings (e.g., intraocular pressure, corneal changes), and laboratory results confirming Onchocerca volvulus infection.