Management of posterior-segment foreign bodies

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Foreign bodies in the posterior segment of the eye present significant management challenges.
• Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for visual preservation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the management strategies and visual outcomes for patients with posterior segment intraocular foreign bodies.
• To assess the effectiveness of different extraction techniques for magnetic and nonmagnetic foreign bodies.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 28 patients with posterior segment foreign bodies.
• Preoperative localization using visual, radiologic (Sweet's), CT, and ultrasonography.
• Surgical extraction via pars plana or scleral approaches, with specialized techniques for nonmagnetic foreign bodies.

Main Results:

• 19 magnetic and 9 nonmagnetic foreign bodies were identified.
• Overall visual salvage rate (20/200 or better) was 46% after a mean follow-up of 14 months.
• Four eyes required enucleation due to severe injury or complications.

Conclusions:

• Surgical management of posterior segment foreign bodies can achieve visual salvage in a significant proportion of cases.
• Advanced imaging and surgical techniques improve outcomes for complex intraocular foreign bodies.
• Early intervention and appropriate surgical approach are critical for maximizing visual recovery.