The Joint Pathology Center/Vision Center of Excellence Approach to Analyzing Intra-Ocular "Foreign Bodies".

BACKGROUND: The Military Health System recognizes the importance of analyzing "foreign bodies" removed from US service members through several policy documents. This activity focuses on detecting potentially toxic metals. Intra-ocular "foreign bodies" (IOFBs) represent a small, clinically important subset. The development of ocular metallosis with iron and copper fragments is a specific local reaction to IOFBs. The results of the compositional analysis of removed IOFBs can influence clinical management decisions aimed at optimizing the preservation of sight. METHOD: The Joint Pathology Center (JPC) and Vision Center of Excellence (VCE) have established a pathway for the analysis of IOFBs removed from Department of Defense and Veterans Health Administration patients. The analysis of IOFBs uses analytical methods to provide information about the fragments' surface elemental and molecular composition. RESULTS: Metallic specimens analyzed included iron and copper-containing fragments. Non-metallic IOFBs analyzed include glass, plastic (polyurethane), and nitro-cellulose fragments. CONCLUSION: The JPC/VCE approach to analyzing IOFBs promotes uniform handling and shipping of specimens to minimize contamination. The analytical approach allows for the characterization of IOFBs with a wide variety of compositions. The results support clinical management decisions aimed at optimal treatment for the preservation of patients' visual acuity.

[Black spots in the eye]. / Schwarzer Fleck am Auge.

Senile scleral plaques are characterized by a calcification located at the insertion of the horizontal rectus muscles. As a possible cause for their development a combination of solar tissue damage and continuous mechanical stress is discussed. We present a case of a 76-year-old male whose wife noticed expulsion of a calcified scleral plaque while applying antiglaucoma eyedrops. The local antiglaucoma therapy was stopped and acetacolamide was administered. Local therapy consisted of hyaluronic acid eyedrop and calcium pantothenate and retinol palmiate eye ointment. This treatment led to a rapid reepithelialization. The expulsion of calcified senile scleral plaques is a described complication which can necessitate surgical treatment.

Ophthalmic exposure to crotalid venom.

Crotalid venom exposure to the eye is uncommon. A 40-year-old woman sustained an accidental mucus membrane exposure of rattlesnake venom to her face and right eye. She was successfully treated with irrigation, topical antibiotics, and intravenous crotalid antivenin.

Entrapped preretinal oil bubble: report of two cases.

BACKGROUND: Retained preretinal bubbles were found over the posterior retina after silicone oil removal in patients who had received complicated vitreoretinal surgery. CASE: We report on two patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery with silicone oil infusion for giant retinal tears; perfluorocarbon liquid was used during the surgery. Posteriorly located preretinal oil was noted after silicone oil removal in both patients. OBSERVATIONS: In both cases, oil bubbles formed, which were transparent and located in unusual places for a long period of time. No alteration of refractive status or harmful effect seemed to be associated with these retained oil bubbles. CONCLUSIONS: This strange phenomenon of fixed preretinal oil bubbles may occur after vitreoretinal surgery. It did not seem to be harmful to the retina during the follow-up periods.