Magnetic Extraction of an Intraretinal Foreign Body: A Case Report

Inert intraocular foreign body (IOFB) removal depends on the location, type of injury, composition, and size of IOFB and possible serious complications of intraocular surgery. Early management is crucial for better prognosis.

A 28-year-old male presented to the outpatient department after an alleged workplace accident. Initial assessment revealed significant diminution of vision, and on anterior segment examination with slit lamp, conjunctival congestion with no obvious entry point and no obvious scleral tear noted. Fundus examination by indirect ophthalmoscopy revealed vitreous hemorrhage, but the foreign body could not be localized due to extensive hazy media. Radiography of the orbit revealed an IOFB. The patient was managed surgically, and the intraretinal foreign body was removed using an intraocular magnet and intraocular forceps. The decision to remove the inert metal was considered because the patient had significant vision loss with vitreous hemorrhage.

Management of an intraretinal metallic foreign body using an intraocular magnet is a viable and effective approach. It allows precise removal with minimal retinal trauma, thus preserving visual function.