Vitrectomy for posterior segment intraocular foreign bodies, visual and anatomical outcomes

To evaluate the visual and anatomic results and determine the prognostic factors after pars plana vitrectomy and posterior segment intraocular foreign body (IOFB) removal.

This retrospective study reviews the patients' charts of 48 consecutive patients with posterior segment IOFB who underwent pars plana vitrectomy and IOFB removal over a 4-year period, recently. Association between visual outcome and various preoperative, operative, and postoperative variables was statistically analyzed. Data were analyzed with the paired t-test and the chi square test. Statistical significance was indicated by P < 0.05.

The mean interval between the time of injury and IOFB removal was 24 ± 43.1 days and 27 (53%) eyes underwent IOFB removal within 7 days of the injury. Nine (19.1%) patients achieved a visual acuity of 20/40 or better. An improvement of visual acuity of at least three lines occurred in 21 (44.6%) eyes and the vision remained unchanged in 15 (31.9%) eyes. Postoperative retinal detachment occurred in five (10.6%) eyes. Visual improvement was more likely to occur in eyes with lower levels of presenting visual acuity (P = 0.2). Visual improvement was not associated with an entry site and IOFB location, lens injury, time to surgery, and pre- and post-operative retinal detachment. At the end of follow up, anatomical success was achieved in 97.9% of eyes.

High anatomical success could be achieved after the removal of posterior segment IOFBs by vitrectomy, despite a delay in surgery. Poor visual outcome may be mainly due to the initial ocular injury.