Vitrectomy for the removal of intraocular foreign bodies: visual outcomes and prognostic factors

Abstract

Background and Objectives: To correlate the shape, size and location of posterior segment intraocular foreign bodies with visual outcome and its prognostic factors. Methods: This is a prospective study of 40 eyes of 40 patients who underwent Pars Plana Vitrectomy for the removal of posterior segment intraocular foreign bodies in Western Regional Institute of India. We studied the following parameters: age, gender, wound site, IOFB characteristics (shape, size, and location), initial and final visual acuity. Results: Among the study participants, 19 worked in factories, 6 were housekeepers, 7 were farmers and the remaining 5 patients were either unemployed or retired at the time of the injury. The foreign body was embedded in the surface of the retina (32.5%), located in the vitreous (55%) and in the sclera (12.5%). Nine patients (22.5%) developed delayed Retinal Detachment, which was the largest single cause of blindness in this group. Interpretation & Conclusion: Our study concludes that the larger the size of posterior segment IOFB, presence of pre-existing or secondary RD, vitreous hemorrhage poorer the prognosis. We also emphasize the use of protective eye equipmentsat workplace in preventing this disability caused by penetrating ocular injury.