Surgical removal of nonmagnetic foreign bodies

A microsurgical technique for the removal of nonmagnetic foreign bodies in eyes with opaque media incorporated the simultaneous use of the foreign body forcepts with a vitrectomy machine equipped with fiberoptics. The superb viewing system provided by the operating microscope combined with the excellent illumination from intraocular fiberoptics offered precise surgical control. Nonencapsulated nonmagnetic foreign bodies in eyes with clear vitreous cavities were removed by using the operating microscope, corneal contact lens, and foreign body forceps introduced through a pars plana location. Vitrectomy was not performed. The surgical techniques allowed early removal of the foreign body and, in a preliminary series of cases, improved visual results in what is usually a devastating ocular injury.