Management of posterior segment intraocular foreign bodies (IOFB)

Lan Anh Thi Nguyen, Yen Thu Thi Nguyen, Dieu Thu Nguyen

Purpose: To describe the clinical characteristics and assess the outcomes of surgery in the treatment of posterior segment intraocular foreign bodies.

Methods: A prospective study of 46 eyes of posterior segment intraocular foreign bodies reqiring surgical repair were reviewed at the Trauma department of VNIO, from 01/2007 to 12/2007.

Results: 97,8% were male.Most of the injurires occurred in workplace. IOFB size < 3mm in 29 eyes.Wound location: cornea: 69,6%. Foreign body were metallic 89,1%, localized in the vitreous 58,7%, in the retina 41,3%. Endopthalmitis: 10,9%,retinal detachment: 19,6%. 32 eyes were removed IOFB by pars plana vitrectomy,14 by external approach (magnet). 93,5% IOFB were removed from eyes, of which 100% IOFB in the vitreous, 90,6% in the retina. Initial visual acuity >= 0,02 : 26,1%.After treatment, follow-up at 3 months , 56,5% eyes achieved visual acuity >= 0,02 .

Conclusions: IOFB is very serious in the ocular trauma. Two methods to remove posterior segment IOFB: extraction via pars plana with magnet and pars plana vitrectomy with forceps (or magnet) extraction.