Intraocular foreign body from a nylon line grass trimmer

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health

Background:

• Nylon line grass trimmers are widely used for lawn maintenance in the United States.
• Increased usage of these tools correlates with a rise in potential ocular injuries.

Observation:

• A patient sustained an intraocular injury from a piece of nylon line ejected by a grass trimmer.
• The injury necessitated surgical intervention, including foreign body removal, lensectomy, and anterior vitrectomy.

Findings:

• Nylon line projectiles pose a significant risk of penetrating the eye.
• Surgical rehabilitation was required to restore the patient's vision.

Implications:

• This case underscores the critical importance of wearing eye protection during lawn care activities.
• Manufacturers should consider labeling grass trimmers to emphasize the necessity of eye safety equipment.