A safe method for removal of posterior segment magnetic intraocular foreign bodies

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of our technique in achieving safe and atraumatic removal of posterior segment magnetic intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs).Patients and methodsA prospective study was carried out at the Ophthalmology Department, Zagazig University Hospitals (Zagazig, Egypt). The study included 22 eyes of 22 patients with posterior segment magnetic IOFBs. Eight patients had already undergone primary surgical repair before. Traumatic cataract was treated using conventional surgical techniques. Our technique of IOFB removal involved pars plana vitrectomy; IOFB is then grasped using basket forceps and while the IOFB is removed through the sclerotomy an external earth magnet is used to prevent its slippage from the forceps and falling down onto the retina or optic disc.ResultsIn the 22 patients, the IOFB did not fall down into the vitreous cavity. In eight of the 22 patients, the IOFB had slipped from the basket forceps during its removal through the sclerotomy, but it was kept at the sclerotomy site by the effect of the magnet. We had to enlarge the sclerotomy in six of these patients. The IOFB was then regrasped by the forceps and safely removed.ConclusionOur technique is very effective in achieving safe and atraumatic removal of posterior segment magnetic IOFBs.