ABSTRACT
To evaluate the visual and anatomic results and determine the prognostic factors after pars plana vitrectomy and posterior segment intraocular foreign body [IOFB] removal. This retrospective study reviews the patients' charts of 48 consecutive patients with posterior segment IOFB who underwent pars plana vitrectomy and IOFB removal over a 4-year period, recently. Association between visual outcome and various preoperative, operative, and postoperative variables was statistically analyzed. Data were analyzed with the paired t-test and the chi square test. Statistical significance was indicated by P < 0.05. The mean interval between the time of injury and IOFB removal was 24 +/- 43.1 days and 27 [53%] eyes underwent IOFB removal within 7 days of the injury. Nine [19.1%] patients achieved a visual acuity of 20/40 or better. An improvement of visual acuity of at least three lines occurred in 21 [44.6%] eyes and the vision remained unchanged in 15 [31.9%] eyes. Postoperative retinal detachment occurred in five [10.6%] eyes. Visual improvement was more likely to occur in eyes with lower levels of presenting visual acuity [P = 0.2]. Visual improvement was not associated with an entry site and IOFB location, lens injury, time to surgery, and pre- and post-operative retinal detachment. At the end of follow up, anatomical success was achieved in 97.9% of eyes. High anatomical success could be achieved after the removal of posterior segment IOFBs by vitrectomy, despite a delay in surgery. Poor visual outcome may be mainly due to the initial ocular injury