Clinical Characteristics of Intraocular Foreign Bodies According to Entrance Location: Corneal vs. Non-Corneal

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate differences in the clinical features of post-traumatic intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) according to their entrance locations, specifically, those penetrating the cornea and those not penetrating the cornea. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of patients with an IOFB from January 2011 to July 2016. The patients were divided into two groups: those in whom the IOFB entered through the cornea (“corneal entrance” group) and those in whom the IOFB did not penetrate the cornea (“non-corneal entrance” group), and compared. Damage to the anterior and posterior capsule, retinal tear, and retinal detachment were analyzed, and differences in surgical techniques including the IOFB extraction route and intraocular lens implantation were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 43 eyes (43 patients) were included, with 33 (76.7%) in the corneal entrance group and 10 (23.3%) in the non-corneal group. The posterior capsule was preserved in 24.2% (eight) of eyes in the corneal group and 80% (eight) of eyes in the non-corneal group. The corneal group had significantly more posterior capsule ruptures but dramatically fewer retinal tears (39.4%) than the non-corneal group (80% retinal tears). CONCLUSIONS: The location of IOFB entrance is a predictable factor of lens capsule and retinal injuries.