Clinical outcomes of posterior segment intraocular foreign bodies: The volume effect

To assess the effect of foreign body volume on visual and anatomic outcomes in patients with a posterior segment intraocular foreign body (IOFB).

Patients were divided into three groups according to the volume of the IOFB; group 1 (n=18 eyes) with IOFBs<2mm³, group 2 (n=15 eyes) with 2mm³≤IOFBs<6mm³, group 3 (n=18 eyes) with IOFBs≥6mm³. All eyes underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for removal of the IOFB. Demographic characteristics, features of the injury and IOFB, findings of the initial and final ophthalmological examinations, and timing of IOFB removal were studied.

The mean age was 38.8±12.0years, and the median follow-up period was 12.0 (range: 6-98) months. Initial visual acuity (VA) was significantly lower in group 3 (P=0.005), while final VA was similar between the three subgroups. Frequencies of primary globe repair, initial vitreous hemorrhage (VH), corneoscleral entry, and IOFB removal through the cornea were significantly higher in eyes with large volume IOFBs (P<0.05). Siderosis was only seen in 4 patients in group 1 (22.2%). No patients developed postoperative endophthalmitis.

Large volume posterior segment IOFBs are associated with poor initial VA, initial VH and corneoscleral injury. Nevertheless, PPV and IOFB extraction under favorable conditions may provide significant visual improvement in eyes with large volume IOFBs.