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[Chalcosis bulbi recognized 22 years after trauma]
Tomoyuki Yagihashi1, Yoshihiro Wakabayashi, Satoshi Fujita
1Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Medical University Hachiohji Medical Center, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan. yagi1007@aol.com
Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi
|January 19, 2007
Summary
A rare case of chalcosis bulbi, a copper intraocular foreign body, was diagnosed 22 years after initial eye injury. Delayed diagnosis highlights the importance of considering old injuries in unexplained eye conditions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Intraocular foreign bodies can lead to delayed complications.
- Chalcosis bulbi, a condition caused by copper intraocular foreign bodies, can present with subtle or absent initial symptoms.
Observation:
- A 57-year-old woman presented with vitreous opacity and cataract.
- Surgery revealed a 3.5 mm coated copper wire intraocular foreign body, lodged in the pars plana.
- The patient recalled a wire entering her eye 22 years prior.
Findings:
- Copper particles were confirmed via copper staining of the anterior lens capsule.
- The foreign body was a fragment of coated copper wire, with limited exposed metal surface.
- Slow dissolution of copper likely contributed to minimal symptoms and delayed presentation.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for long-term, asymptomatic intraocular foreign bodies to cause delayed chalcosis bulbi.
- Ophthalmologists should consider historical ocular trauma, even if seemingly minor, in the differential diagnosis of unexplained intraocular pathologies.
- Early detection and management of intraocular foreign bodies are crucial to prevent vision-threatening complications.
