[Intraorbital foreign body--three years follow-up]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neuro-ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Intraorbital foreign bodies pose significant risks to vision and ocular structures.
• Metallic foreign bodies, in particular, raise concerns about potential toxicity, such as siderosis.
• Early detection and management are crucial for preserving visual function.

Observation:

• A case involving a metallic intraorbital foreign body that penetrated the globe and lodged near the optic nerve is presented.
• The foreign body's trajectory and final position were meticulously documented.
• Clinical and electrophysiological assessments were performed to monitor for complications.

Findings:

• Despite the proximity to the optic nerve, no evidence of siderosis was detected after a three-year follow-up period.
• Electroretinography (ERG) results remained normal, indicating preserved retinal function.
• The patient has been continuously monitored, with no adverse effects reported thus far.

Implications:

• This case suggests that metallic intraorbital foreign bodies, even when located near critical structures like the optic nerve, may not invariably lead to siderosis.
• Long-term monitoring with functional tests like ERG is essential for evaluating the impact of intraorbital foreign bodies.
• Further research into the factors influencing the development of siderosis in such cases is warranted.