Corneal foreign bodies of coconut origin

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Surgery
• Traumatic Eye Injury

Background:

• Corneal foreign bodies are common, but vegetable matter is infrequently reported.
• Deep corneal penetration by foreign bodies can lead to significant inflammation and vision impairment.

Observation:

• A case of a male patient from the Marshall Islands presenting with multiple deep corneal foreign bodies.
• The foreign bodies were identified as fragments of coconut shell, sustained after ocular trauma.

Findings:

• Surgical intervention involved creating a centrally based lamellar corneal flap for exposure.
• Complete removal of the vegetable foreign bodies was achieved.
• Post-operative inflammation resolved following the surgical procedure.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering vegetable matter in corneal foreign body injuries.
• Lamellar corneal flap surgery is an effective method for managing deep, vegetable corneal foreign bodies.
• Prompt and complete removal can lead to favorable visual outcomes and resolution of inflammation.