Retained Metallic Intraocular Foreign Body With Excellent Visual Outcome

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• A 25-year-old male presented with a perforating left eye injury from a metallic intraocular foreign body.
• Initial visual acuity was significantly reduced (1/60) with a large cornea-scleral laceration and vitreous hemorrhage.

Observation:

• Computed tomography confirmed a high-density foreign body in the posterior globe.
• Surgical repair included cornea-scleral suturing and pars plana vitrectomy, but the foreign body was not intraoperatively located.

Findings:

• Despite the retained foreign body, the patient achieved pre-injury visual acuity (6/6) within six months.
• Conservative management of the intraocular foreign body was chosen due to excellent visual recovery and surgical risks.

Implications:

• This case demonstrates that successful visual outcomes are achievable even with retained intraocular foreign bodies after appropriate initial management.
• Conservative management can be a viable option in selected cases of intraocular foreign bodies, prioritizing visual preservation.