Intraocular Foreign Body

Excerpt

Ocular injuries are a major cause of blindness. They continue to be a public health problem worldwide. Among these, intraocular foreign bodies (IOFB) are a major cause of morbidity in the young population. IOFB associated ocular trauma is unique and requires skillful investigation with early treatment. IOFB is mostly metallic. They are usually generated during chisel hammering, drilling, gunshot, or bomb blast. Manual laborers are at high risk.

They can lodge in any part of the eye, either in the anterior or posterior segment. Since they are sharp and are generated at high speed, they mostly get lodged in the posterior segment. According to a study, about 2/3rd of IOFBs were found in the posterior segment. With the advancement of surgical techniques, many eyes can be saved, and good final visual acuity can be achieved. Visual prognosis depends upon multiple factors, including size, site, the composition of foreign body, inflammatory response, tissue damage, time since injury, and any associated endophthalmitis and retinal detachment.