[Massive foreign body reaction after intraocular penetration of hot, liquid plastic]

A 32-year-old male had an injury of his right eye by hot liquid plastic (Ultradur R). Intraoperatively, the eye was found broadly penetrated and filled up by more than 50% with ragged pieces of plastic. Computed tomography three days after wound closure revealed remaining foreign body material. As function was totally lost no further operation was considered. Seven weeks after the trauma, the eye was enucleated because of a painful phthisis. Histology showed numerous giant cells.

Hot liquid plastic may perforate the eye and fill it up to a great extent. Due to intraocular cooling, pieces with sharp edges may develop, thus producing further (mechanical) tissue damage. Intraocular plastic is able to induce a massive foreign body reaction. It may be detected easily by computed tomography.