A simple "lasso" for intraocular foreign bodies

Three patients had foreign bodies in their anterior chambers following penetrating ocular injuries. These foreign bodies were removed by a closed chamber technique using a simple loop. The loop was created by a 22-gauge intravenous cannula and a 7-0 polypropylene suture. Retained cilia in one patient and metallic foreign bodies in two patients were removed using this intraocular "lasso." Sutures were not placed at the incision sites at the end of the surgery. This is an inexpensive and easy to prepare technique that introduces minimal surgical trauma. In addition, two hands are not needed for loop manipulation. This technique may be an excellent alternative for removal of small intraocular foreign bodies.