[Significance of topographic diagnosis of foreign bodies situated in the orbit]

Clinical picture of extraocular foreign bodies in the orbit is analyzed in 49 patients, specific features of the diagnosis and treatment of this condition are discussed. Study of the topography of foreign bodies in the orbit has helped distinguish the clinically significant area of fragment localization, areas at a high risk of developing complications, and 'quite' areas. A localizing probe on a space molding was found an effective diagnostic tool. Using this probe, stereotopic localization of a foreign body may be associated with roentgen-negative intraorbital structures, i.e. vessels, nerves, muscles. Topographic location of a foreign body helped explain a considerable vision acuity reduction in relatively transparent media, recurrences of hemorrhages to the fundus oculi, and the type of the pain syndrome. Foreign body removal is indicated in stubborn persistent pain and regressive time course of changes.