Surgical management of non-metallic and non-magnetic metallic intraocular foreign bodies

To identify clinical features and evaluate outcomes of vitreoretinal surgery in eyes with retained non-metallic and non-magnetic metallic intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs).

Retrospective chart review. Thirty-two eyes (28 patients) with non-metallic and non-magnetic metallic IOFBs underwent removal of IOFBs with intraocular forceps, either via the pars plana in 30 eyes (93.9%) or a limbal approach in 2 eyes (6.25%). The main outcome measures were postoperative visual acuity, rate of retinal break formation, development of retinal detachment, and type of IOFB.

IOFBs were non-metallic in 22 eyes (68.7%) and non-magnetic metallic in 10 eyes (31.1%). The average follow-up period was 7.5 months. Overall, final visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 10 eyes (31.1%) and 5/200 to 20/50 in 10 eyes (31.1%). A higher incidence of retinal break formation posterior to the sclerotomy was seen with glass IOFBs (P = .02). Retinal detachment was observed preoperatively in 4 eyes (12.5%) and postoperatively in 2 eyes (6.25%).

Final visual outcome was independent of size and type of IOFB. Pars plana extractions may be associated with a higher rate of retinal break formation and subsequent retinal detachment, particularly with glass IOFBs.