[Vitrectomy in secondary complications caused by intraocular foreign body]

Endophthalmitis and reduced vision as late complications of penetrating ocular injuries cause specific diagnostic problems. A persisting endopthalmitis may be caused by unnoticed organic foreign bodies (f.b.) like lashes or a splinter of glas. Endophthalmitis recurring months or years after a perforating injury indicates the possibility of a spontaneous mobilization of a f.b. Vitrectomy and removal of the f.b. is the therapy of choice in either situation. Five typical cases are presented: lashes encapsulated in the ciliary body following a limbal perforation; an intraretinal incarceration of a lash of unknown history; spontaneous dislocation of a glas splinter from the ciliary body into the anterior chamber; delayed spontaneous translocation of a 10 x 11 mm metallic f.b. from tenon's space transsclerally into the subretinal space leading to endophthalmitis one year after a severe perforating injury; secondary mobilization of an intraretinal piece of stone during a posterior hyaloid detachment. In each case, vitrectomy was performed and the f.b. removed via pars plana. Secondary surgery for retinal detachment or PVR was necessary in 2 cases. The final visual acuity was 20/20 in 3 cases and 10/20 or better in 2 cases.