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Tolerance of the eye for implanted cilia
G M Olorenshaw1, A M Brooks, G Grant
1Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Long-term retained eyelashes in the anterior chamber are rare and can affect corneal endothelium. This case study highlights a significant decrease in endothelial cell count due to a 19-year retained eyelash.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Science
Background:
- Retained cilia in the anterior chamber are uncommon.
- Previous reports focus on tolerance, not endothelial effects.
Observation:
- A 31-year-old male presented with a 19-year history of a retained eyelash in the anterior chamber.
- The eyelash was embedded in a corneal scar, extending to the chamber angle without a follicle.
- The eye showed no inflammation or visual impairment, but the lash had an encrusted deposit.
Findings:
- Markedly reduced corneal endothelial cell count (750 cells/mm²) compared to the fellow eye.
- Absence of inflammatory reaction despite long-term presence of the foreign body.
Implications:
- Suggests potential chronic toxicity or mechanical damage to the corneal endothelium by retained foreign bodies.
- Highlights the need for monitoring corneal endothelial health in cases of retained intraocular foreign objects.
- Underscores the possibility of asymptomatic, long-term retention of foreign material in the anterior chamber.