Vitrectomy combined with giant intraocular foreign body removal through the corneal limbus

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of vitrectomy combined with giant intraocular foreign body removal through the corneal limbus; to analyze the relevant factors. Methods The clinical data of 5 patients (5 eyes) with giant intraocular foreign bodies who were treated from 2008 to 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. Four patients were males and 1 patient was a female. The preoperative visual acuity ranged from light perception to 0.1. Intraocular pressure ranged from 5 to 24 mmHg. All patients underwent vitrectomy combined with giant intraocular foreign body removal through the corneal limbus. All 5 eyes had retinal detachment preoperatively. One eye was filled with C3 F8 and silicone oil was injected in 4 eyes during the surgery. The mean follow-up was 2.5 years with a range from 1 to 5 years. Results The giant intraocular foreign bodies were extracted successfully in all 5 eyes. Postoperative visual acuity increased in the 5 eyes. Intraocular pressure was 10 to 21 mm Hg. The retina was attached in all eyes postoperatively. Postoperative complications included temporary intraocular pressure elevation in 1 eye, fibrosis exudates in the anterior chamber of 2 eyes, and slight vitreous hemorrhage in 1 eye. Conclusion Vitrectomy combined with giant intraocular foreign body removal through the corneal limbus is a safe and effective method. An appropriate surgical technique should be chosen according to the shape and size of the intraocular foreign body. Key words: Vitrectomy; Eye injuries, penetrating; Eye foreign bodies; Corneal limbus incision