The posterior segment and intraocular foreign bodies

Abstract

Background: Penetrating eye injury due to an intraocular foreign body can have devastating consequences, namely loss of the eye. Early surgical intervention is the key factor for achieving better results. Methods: Retrospective study at 395 patients submitted to vitreoretinal surgery during the year 2002, in Hospital Geral de Santo Antonio, Porto. Five of these were due an intraocular foreign body and related complications. The injury and the surgical techniques used for retained foreign bodies removal are described. Both preoperative and postoperative complications are mentioned. The success was evaluated in anatomical, as well as functional results. Prognostic factors are discussed. Results: All patients (n-5) were male with a mean age of 47 years. Most of the accidents happend in the working place. The vitreotentinal surgery was performed till day ten after trauma, in all but one patient. Only one was reoperated, due to a consecutive retinal detachment. Intraocular foreign body location and functional results were very dissimilar, but an anatomical success was achieved in all patients. Conclusions: Retained intraocular foreign bodies demand an early surgical intervention. Timing of the surgery, extent of the initial injury, type and location of the intraocular foreign body are the most relevant prognostic factors.