Parinaud Oculoglandular Syndrome Overview
Learn About Parinaud Oculoglandular Syndrome
Parinaud oculoglandular syndrome is an eye problem that is similar to conjunctivitis ("pink eye"). It most often affects only one eye. It occurs with swollen lymph nodes and an illness with a fever.
Note: Parinaud syndrome (also called upgaze paresis) is a different disorder in which you have trouble looking upward. The latter can be caused by a brain tumor, and requires an evaluation by your health care provider very promptly.
Cat scratch disease; Oculoglandular syndrome
Parinaud oculoglandular syndrome (POS) is caused by an infection with bacteria, a virus, fungus, or parasite.
The most common causes are cat scratch disease and tularemia (rabbit fever). The bacteria that cause either condition can infect the eye. The bacteria can directly enter the eye (on a finger or other object), or air droplets that carry the bacteria can land on the eye.
Other infectious diseases may spread the same way, or through the bloodstream to the eye.
Symptoms include:
- Red, irritated, and painful eye (looks like "pink eye")
- Fever
- General ill feeling
- Increased tearing (possible)
- Swelling of nearby lymph glands (often in front of the ear)
Depending on the cause of the infection, antibiotics may be helpful. Surgery may be needed in rare cases to clean away the infected tissues.
Elite Eyecare Medical Group
Stephen Bylsma is an Ophthalmologist in Santa Maria, California. Dr. Bylsma is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Parinaud Oculoglandular Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Glaucoma, Cataract, Parinaud Oculoglandular Syndrome, and Pterygium. Dr. Bylsma is currently accepting new patients.
University Of Miami
Victor Perez-Quinones is an Ophthalmologist in Miami, Florida. Dr. Perez-Quinones is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Parinaud Oculoglandular Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Cloudy Cornea, Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis, Cicatricial Pemphigoid, Dry Eye Syndrome, and Corneal Transplant. Dr. Perez-Quinones is currently accepting new patients.
Arnett Clinic, LLC
Joel Mulder is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Lafayette, Indiana. Dr. Mulder is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Parinaud Oculoglandular Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Congenital Sucrase-Isomaltase Deficiency, Glucose-Galactose Malabsorption Deficiency, Glucose Phosphate Isomerase Deficiency, and Bronchitis. Dr. Mulder is currently accepting new patients.
The outlook depends on the cause of the infection. In general, if the diagnosis is made early and treatment starts right away, the outcome of POS can be very good.
Serious complications are rare.
The conjunctival nodules can sometimes form sores (ulcers) during the healing process. The infection can spread to nearby tissues or into the bloodstream.
Contact your provider if you develop a red, irritated, painful eye.
Frequent hand washing can reduce the likelihood of getting POS. Avoid being scratched by a cat, even a healthy cat. You can avoid tularemia by not having contact with wild rabbits, squirrels, or ticks.
Published Date: July 09, 2024
Published By: Audrey Tai, DO, MS, Athena Eye Care, Mission Viejo, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Gruzensky WD. Parinaud oculoglandular syndrome. In: Mannis MJ, Holland EJ, eds. Cornea. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 41.
Rubenstein JB, Kelly E. Infectious conjunctivitis. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 4.6.