Magnetized forceps for intraocular foreign body removal: which one is suitable?

INTRODUCTION: Magnetic intraocular foreign bodies can be removed with magnetized disposable forceps. Aim of this study is to compare the forceps magnetizability of different size, form and manufacturer. METHODS: The forceps were magnetized using an established procedure. The inducible magnetic flux density was measured at the tip of the forceps. The mass that can be lifted with the magnetized forceps was then tested using steel balls in BSS solution. The weight of the metal parts of the forceps was measured. RESULTS: The magnetic flux density that could be induced, the weight of the steel balls that could be lifted and the mass of stainless steel used in the forceps were as follows: Alcon end-grasping 23G: 7.12 mT, 87.43 mg, 1191 mg; Alcon end-grasping 25G: 6.43 mT, 87.43 mg, 1189 mg; Alcon serrated: 4.39 mT, 63.78 mg, 1284 mg; Alcon serrated 23G: 3.62 mT, 13.74 mg, 1200 mg; Alcon serrated 25G: 2.4 mT, 13.74 mg, 1195 mg; DORC end-grasping 23G: 5.52 mT, 32.54 mg, 153 mg; Synergetics end-grasping 23G: 4.35 mT, 16.37 mg, 193 mg; Vitreq BV end-grasping 23G: 2.65 mT, none, 88 mg. DISCUSSION: The magnetizability of a disposable microforceps seems to depend on the mass of steel at the tip of the forceps. The structure of the iron lattice could have an even greater influence. Not every disposable forceps can be sufficiently magnetized for this technique.

T-shaped pars plana scleral incision to remove large intraocular foreign body.

Aim: To investigate the efficacy and safety profile of T-shaped pars plana scleral incision technique in removing large intraocular foreign bodies, during 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy. Methods: Retrospective interventional case series that included patients diagnosed with a large intraocular foreign body (IOFB). Possible postoperative complications were recorded 24 h, 1 month, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Results: Thirty eyes of 30 patients (48 ± 5 years old) were enrolled. All IOFBs were successfully removed: mean diameters of 7.8 ± 2.0 mm and 2.6 ± 0.3 mm. Silicone oil and sulfur hexafluoride were used in 27 and 3 eyes, respectively. Lensectomy was performed in 27 eyes. Intraocular lens was implanted at first attempt in 12 eyes; during a second operation in 12 eyes and 6 eyes remained aphakic. At any follow-up, no signs of postoperative complications were observed. Secondary retinal detachment occurred in 12 eyes. Mean preoperative corrected distance visual acuity was 0.04, on the Snellen scale; it increased to 0.07, at last follow-up. Mean intraocular pressure was 17.97 mmHg. All eyes were preserved. Conclusion: T-shaped scleral incision could be an effective, safe and easy-to-perform standard procedure to remove large IOFBs during pars plana vitrectomy, without increasing the risk of surgical complications and additional damage to the ocular tissues.

Missed Intraocular Foreign Body Presenting As Siderosis Bulbi: Two Case Reports.

Ocular siderosis bulbi is a rare but significant cause of vision impairment in patients with a retained ferrous intraocular foreign body (IOFB). In this report, we present two cases of ocular manifestations suggestive of siderosis bulbi. Both cases presented with a significant reduction in vision and were found to have a dense cataract, a small healed corneal scar, and siderotic pigments in the anterior chamber. The first case denied any past ocular injury, yet CT scans confirmed the presence of an IOFB. The second case, who had a high suspicion of ocular trauma, did not have a radiologically detectable IOFB. Both cases underwent combined cataract extraction surgery with pars plana vitrectomy and IOFB removal, resulting in a favorable visual outcome despite developing siderosis.

A rare intraocular foreign body resulting from a workplace accident.

A 54-year-old man presented to the ophthalmic emergency department of our center with eye pain and blurred vision in his right eye following a workplace accident. Examination revealed a penetrating corneal injury with the presence of an intraocular foreign body (IOFB) involving the corneoscleral limbus, perforating the cornea, iris, anterior lens capsule, and lens. Immediate surgical intervention was carried out with the extraction of the IOFB, identified as an 8mm mussel shell fragment, and the removal of the resulting traumatic cataract. Both preoperative and postoperative examinations showed an attached retina with no signs of retinal tears or vitreous hemorrhage. Appropriate management in this case, along with the timely identification of the agent, led to favorable outcomes despite the size of the intraocular foreign body.

Ocular trauma from Lawn mower accidents: Clinical insights, visual outcomes and microbial profiles.

AIMS: To characterize the clinical features of ocular trauma resulting from lawn mower, identify determinants of unfavorable final visual acuity (FVA), and assess the spectrum of microbial in posttraumatic endophthalmitis. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled patients who experienced ocular trauma due to lawn mower at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center from January 2013 to August 2021. Demographics, clinical features, isolated microorganisms, risk factors influencing reduced visual acuity, treatment regimens, and utilization of eyewear were collected. RESULTS: The study included 140 participants (140 eyes) (49.47 ± 12.03 years, 95% male). The predominant injury manifestations were penetrating globe injuries (75.7%) and intraocular foreign bodies (51.4%). Endophthalmitis occurred in 35 cases (25%) and Bacillus cereus (23.5%) was the primary pathogen, followed by Staphylococcus epidermidis (11.8%) and Streptococcus species (11.8%). Following the initial assessment, where 77.9% of patients had initial visual acuity (IVA) at grade IV (ranging from light perception to 4/200) and only 0.7% attained grade I (better than 20/40), post-treatment results revealed that 5.7% achieved FVA at grade I, with a concurrent decrease in patients with grade IV vision to 64.3%. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that injury protection (p < 0.001, OR = 0.237, 95% CI = 0.126-0.446), IVA (p = 0.001, OR = 4.102, 95% CI = 1.730-9.729), and retinal detachment (p = 0.042, OR = 8.105, 95% CI = 1.075-61.111) were significant independent risk factors impacting FVA. CONCLUSION: Lawn mower often cause severe ocular injuries, with high-velocity metal foreign bodies that can lead to infections, most commonly caused by Bacillus cereus. Correct use of protective gear, initial vision assessment, and detecting retinal detachment are crucial for visual prognosis.

Comparing forceps and self-assembled intraocular rare earth magnet in removing metallic intraocular foreign bodies in 25-guage vitrectomy.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and efficiency of self-assembled intraocular rare earth magnet and forceps in removing intraocular foreign bodies(IOFBs) undergoing 25-gauge(G) pars plana vitrectomy. METHODS: A total of 30 patients with metallic IOFB underwent 25-G PPV were enrolled into this study. Self-assembled intraocular rare earth magnet were used in 15 patients(bar group), and forceps were used in 15 patients(forceps group). Success rate of removing IOFB, time taken to remove IOFB, incidence of IOFB slippage and fall, iatrogenic retinal damages were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in success rate of removing IOFBs between the groups(93.3% and 100%, P > 0.99). The median time taken of removing FB was significantly shorter in bar group than in forceps group(112 and 295 s, P = 0.001). None of the patients in bar group had IOFB slippage and fall, or related iatrogenic retinal damage in the process of removal. In forceps group, IOFB slippage and fall during removal were observed in 7 of 15(47.6%) patients, related iatrogenic retinal injuries were recorded in 6 of 15(40.0%) patients, both were significantly higher than bar group(P = 0.003 and P = 0.017, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with forceps, the assembled intraocular magnet can greatly reduce the possibility of IOFB slippage and fall, prevent related iatrogenic retinal damage, and shorten the time taken to remove IOFB. The assembled intraocular magnet can be an useful tool in removing metallic IOFBs in PPV.

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of open globe injuries in Southwest China.

Background: Open globe injuries (OGIs) are one of the leading causes of monocular vision loss, and the clinical characteristics of OGIs are region specific. The features and patterns of OGIs in Southwest China are poorly known and not well studied. Our study aimed to review the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients hospitalized for OGIs in Southwest China. Methods: A retrospective study of OGI patients admitted to the West China Hospital from January 1st, 2015, to December 31st, 2019, was performed. Demographic characteristics and injury details were recorded. The Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology system and the ocular trauma score (OTS) were used. Results: A total of 3,014 patients were included. The male-to-female ratio was 5.2:1, and the mean age was 35.6 ± 19.1 years. 15.2% of patients were from the ethnic groups. The highest-risk occupation was the farmer (30.3%), followed by the worker (28.5%). OGIs occurred more frequently in people with middle (37.0%) and primary school (33.1%) education levels. Types of injuries included 46.8% penetration, 21.2% rupture, 2.9% perforation, and 29.1% intraocular foreign body (IOFB). The injuries types differed between age and occupation groups (p < 0.001). IOFBs had a higher risk of causing endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, and traumatic cataracts (p < 0.001). The most common injuries resulted from sharp objects (72.7%). The causes of the injuries were significantly associated with age, ethnicity, and occupation (p < 0.001). Explosion injuries and attacks by animals were more common among people of Tibetan and Yi ethnicities. Blunt trauma, vehicle crashes, falls and age older than 60 years were risk factors for a lack of light perception and lower OTS scores prognosis. Conclusion: OGIs in Southwest China mainly affected working-aged males, especially workers or farmers. Severe vision loss and IOFBs are more common findings. OGIs in older patients and ethnic minorities requires additional attention.

Diagnosis, management, and outcome of an intralenticular foreign body in a dog: A case report.

Background: Intra-lenticular foreign bodies are rare in veterinary medicine and uncommon in human medicine. Approximately 50% of perforating ocular injuries in canines have lenticular involvement. Treatment choices include conservative management and surgical options. Retained intra-lenticular foreign body with delayed removal has not been reported in animals. Case Description: A 3-year-old male neutered Lurcher presented with right-sided ocular discomfort and a sealed full-thickness corneal perforation. The full ophthalmic examination could not be performed at the initial presentation due to miosis. Recrudescence of anterior uveitis was seen post-drug cessation. Re-evaluation of the eye with a mydriatic pupil revealed an intra-lenticular foreign body. Surgical removal via phacoemulsification was performed 8 weeks after the initial perforating injury. The eye remains visual, comfortable, and normotensive 50 months post-operatively. Conclusion: This is the first report of an encapsulated, retained intra-lenticular foreign body with delayed removal in a dog. Mydriasis and repeat examinations are of crucial importance when evaluating eyes post-perforation.

Simultaneous Bilateral Open-Globe Repair and Vitreoretinal Surgery for Explosive-Related Ocular Injury.

Purpose: To report an approach to explosive injuries with simultaneous, co-surgeon bilateral ruptured globe repair and pars plana vitrectomy for bilateral intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs). Methods: A case and its findings were analyzed. Results: A 31-year-old man had bilateral vision loss after an air compressor malfunction that caused a high-pressure explosion to his face. An examination showed bilateral open-globe injuries and IOFBs, necessitating urgent repair. Given the risk for endophthalmitis and the need for expeditious repair, open-globe repair surgery was performed in both eyes simultaneously by co-surgeons followed by pars plana lensectomy, vitrectomy with IOFB removal, and silicone oil placement. The final visual acuity after bilateral scleral-fixated intraocular lens implantation was 20/20 OD and 20/25 OS. Conclusions: This case of bilateral open-globe injuries and IOFBs required expeditious repair with bilateral, simultaneous surgery that ultimately resulted in excellent visual outcomes. Simultaneous surgery may be an option for bilateral ocular trauma.

Internal Plugging of a Traumatic Posterior Perforation Site Using Donor Sclera, Human Amniotic Membrane, and Fibrin Glue: A Novel Surgical Technique.

Purpose: To describe a novel surgical approach to treat traumatic posterior perforating injuries. Methods: A case and its findings were analyzed. Results: A 21-year-old man presented with bilateral intraocular foreign bodies that were sustained while hammering a metal railway pin. In the left eye, the foreign body was embedded in the posterior scleral wall, resulting in a 2 mm × 6 mm posterior perforation and partial retinal detachment. Silicone oil tamponade could optimize the chances for retinal reattachment; however, there was concern that the silicone oil would migrate through the posterior defect and into the orbit. Therefore, the perforation site was filled using a 3-layer plug consisting of donor sclera, human amniotic membrane, and fibrin glue. The silicone oil was successfully maintained within the globe; however, the final visual acuity was limited due to proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Conclusions: The efficacy and safety of the 3-layer plug technique should be further validated in similar cases.

Intraocular foreign body: Characteristics, visual outcomes, and predictive values of ocular trauma score.

Introduction: Retained intraocular foreign body (IOFB) remains an important cause of acquired visual impairment. The visual prognosis following treatments for eyes with retained IOFB was observed to be distinct from other mechanisms of open globe injury due to the specific nature and associated circumstances. This study evaluated the risk behaviors, visual results, and predictive values of Ocular Trauma Score (OTS) in determining visual outcomes in patients with IOFB that were not related to terrorism. Methods: Medical records of patients who underwent surgical interventions between January 2015 and December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: A total of one hundred and sixty-one patients (162 eyes) were recruited. The patients had a mean (standard deviation) age of 47.6 (14.0) years with working male predominance (93.2%). The majority of patients were injured by activities related to grass trimming (63.4%) and metallic objects were the main materials causing injuries (75.7%). Following treatments, the proportion of eyes having vision worse than 20/400 decreased from 126 eyes (77.8%) to 55 eyes (33.9%) at final visit. Ocular trauma score (OTS) had a high potential prediction for final vision in eyes in OTS categories 4 and 5. However, the discordance of final visual acuity distribution was observed in some subgroups of eyes in OTS categories 1 to 3. Conclusion: This study highlights the significance of IOFB related eye injuries in a tertiary care setting. Decision making on treatments should be carefully considered, particularly in eyes in lower OTS categories, in light of a rise in the proportion of patients who experience improved vision after IOFB removal.

Utility of a nitinol stone extractor for intraocular foreign body removal.

Purpose: To describe the novel application of a urological instrument, the nitinol stone basket, in the removal of a retained intraocular foreign body (IOFB). Observations: This is a retrospective case series describing two eyes of two patients presenting with metallic IOFBs after hammering metal-on-metal. Both patients underwent 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and successful IOFB extraction using the NCircle® Nitinol Tipless Stone Extractor. There were no intraoperative or post-surgical complications. Both patients demonstrated improvement in vision, with most recent postoperative visual acuities of 20/40 and 20/60. Conclusions and importance: The nitinol stone basket may be considered for removal of IOFBs, particularly larger IOFBs that are difficult to grasp with forceps. Our cases add to the literature showing favorable visual outcomes and few complications in the post-operative period using this technique.

Post-Traumatic Cilia Remaining Inert in the Posterior Chamber for 50 Years.

Intraocular foreign body injuries (IOFB) can lead to a number of intraocular pathologies; the visual results depend on the mechanism of the injury, the type of foreign body and the subsequent complications. The presence of intraocular cilia (eye lashes) following penetrating injury or surgical intervention is uncommon. In the present paper, we present a case of a 58-year-old woman with a history of eye trauma and a perforated corneal wound in the left eye that occurred 50 years ago. On the ophthalmological exam we noticed in the anterior chamber a straight linear extension, resembling cilia, extending behind the iris. The patient reports that it appeared during COVID-19 infection, after repeated episodes of coughing. After a follow-up period, we decided to remove the eyelash; 24 h after surgery, the patient complained of severe eye pain. Intraocular pressure (IOP) in LE was 54 mmHg. The slit-lamp examination showed perikeratic congestion, corneal edema and mydriasis. Eye hypotensive treatment was started immediately and the patient's general condition slightly improved. Intraocular cilia can be tolerated for many years without causing any ocular reaction. The decision for surgical intervention must be taken according to the individual needs of the patient and his ocular characteristics with careful pre- and post-operative follow up.

Creatively tiding over the crisis.

Background: A patient with a retained intraocular metallic foreign body post-trauma was taken up for vitrectomy and intraocular foreign body removal. Unfortunately, the intraocular magnet was not available at the moment on the table! How a little bit of creativity and innovative thought helped us tide over this crisis is the content of this video. Purpose: To demonstrate magnetization of a metallic surgical instrument for temporary use in the event of unavailability of the intraocular magnet for intraocular foreign body removal. Synopsis: A ferromagnetic substance can be magnetized temporarily using an existing magnet. We obtained a general-purpose magnet and wrapped it in sterile plastic, using which we magnetized normal intraocular forceps and a Micro Vitreo Retinal (MVR) blade by giving about 20-30 strokes over the magnet in a single direction. This aligned the magnetic domains in the metal in a parallel fashion. These Do It Yourself (DIY)- magnetic instruments were then effectively utilized to remove the metallic intraocular foreign body. Highlights: The video showcases effectively harnessing the available resources and tiding over the dearth of a necessary instrument, with the right use of an innovative idea and some creativity!. Video link: https://youtu.be/QtRC-AK5FLU.

Intraocular foreign body presenting as recalcitrant hypopyon anterior uveitis.

A 38-year-old male with a history of trauma presented to us with pain and decreased vision in the left eye (LE). Previously, the patient had been diagnosed with hypopyon uveitis and was prescribed topical steroids. We performed slit-lamp examination of the LE and found exudates in the anterior chamber (AC) extending from 6 to 9 o'clock, along with circumciliary congestion and pigmented keratic precipitates. We made a diagnosis of infectious anterior hypopyon uveitis; however, all of its causes were ruled out upon the necessary investigations, which returned normal results. The patient was started on topical and oral antibiotics, and subsequently, there was complete hypopyon resolution. Five months later, he presented with similar complaints. An examination revealed a black elevated lesion in the AC at 8 o'clock suspicious of an intraocular foreign body (IOFB), along with 1 mm hypopyon. An X-ray orbit examination confirmed the IOFB presence, and the IOFB was surgically removed from the AC. Three weeks after this surgery, the patient presented with a recurrence of similar symptoms. The nasal pterygium adjacent to the location of the previously removed IOFB was inflamed with an underlying black elevated limbal nodule, which was determined to likely be a remnant of the IOFB in the subconjunctival space. Here, we report a case of penetrating IOFB that was initially detected in the AC. Its remnant extraocular component persisted in the subconjunctival space, and its incomplete removal led to recurrent inflammation.

Prolonged Ocular Foreign Body Found on Repeat Visit to a Second Emergency Department.

We describe a case where the patient presented to the emergency department (ED) with ocular irritation in the right eye with concomitant blurry vision that had been persistent for a week. The cause of this patient's ocular irritation and worsening visual acuity was determined to be a retained foreign body of the limbus. The foreign body had been in the patient's eye for about four months before he began to experience these symptoms. The four-month duration was established based on initial symptoms and a prior ED visit with no noted eye injury or foreign body detection, as well as the degree of overlying epithelization. This case highlights the importance of obtaining a thorough history and physical examination while emphasizing the high index of suspicion needed for translucent foreign bodies. Here, an inert foreign body erupted four months after injury. Additionally, this case stresses the importance of transition of care for ophthalmologic conditions. Consideration of any social determinants of health that could prevent as an example.

A case of sclerochoroidal calcification masquerading as a retained intraocular foreign body.

A 41-year-old, New Zealand European male, was seen in the acute eye clinic as an in-patient from the trauma ward with multiple comorbidities including an orbital fracture from injuries sustained in a road traffic accident. It is not uncommon in emergency settings for emergency physicians to review polytrauma patients prior to Ophthalmologists, with Computerized Tomography being the imaging modality of choice. A hyper-dense lesion within the right globe was noted by radiology at the time and concerns were raised about the possibility of a retained intraocular foreign body. Upon Ophthalmic examination, a clinical diagnosis of sclerochoroidal calcification was made. This case highlights a rare case of sclerochoroidal calcification manifesting as a hyperdense lesion on computerized tomography masquerading as an intraocular foreign body.

Occult intraocular aluminium foreign body causing rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Ocular trauma is complex and varied, and some occult intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) can lead to uncommon symptoms and signs. We report a case of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (no obvious wound, no pain, no intraocular infection or other symptoms) caused by an occult intraocular aluminium foreign body, which could have been easily missed. CASE PRESENTATION: A 42-year-old male presented to the outpatient department of our hospital complaining of fluttering black dots and decreased vision in his left eye that began 3 months earlier. He was diagnosed with "floaters" at a community hospital. He denied a history of ocular trauma or previous surgery. The cornea and lens of the left eye were clear. A small patch of pigmentation was noted in the temporal sclera. Fundoscopy revealed macula-off retinal detachment. After mydriasis, elliptical holes were seen in the peripheral retina at 2:30, and a suspicious hyperreflective strip was found under the anterior lip of the retina by Goldmann three-mirror contact lens examination; the strip was confirmed to be an IOFB by orbital CT. The IOFB was removed through pars plana vitrectomy without any complications. CONCLUSION: Unlike iron and copper IOFBs, aluminium IOFBs are more inert and more likely to be missed. For people with special occupations (construction workers, mechanics, etc.), when abnormal pigmentation of the sclera is found, the possibility of foreign bodies in the eye should be considered. In the process of disease diagnosis and treatment, it is necessary to ask for a detailed history, including occupation history and practice, and perform careful physical and targeted examinations. Such comprehensive analysis regarding the above information will minimize the chance of missed diagnosis.Awareness of occult IOFB in high risk occupations and prompt referral to a retinal surgeon is of outmost importance.