INTRAOCULAR METALLIC-APPEARING FOREIGN-BODIES AFTER PHACOEMULSIFICATION

Intraocular metallic-appearing foreign bodies in the anterior segment were seen in six eyes after cataract extraction by two-handed phacoemu lsification. These fragments produced no symptoms and had no clinicall y significant effect on visual function. Similar-appearing foreign bod ies were experimentally produced by applying ultrasound power with a p hacoemulsification handpiece to the surface of a cyclodialysis spatula in vitro. Microscopic examination of the phaco handpiece tip and cycl odialysis spatulas revealed numerous surface irregularities, suggestin g a possible source of these fragments. These results suggest that ins trument touch during phacoemulsification may be the cause of the fragm ents. Long-term follow-up of these patients is required to determine t he overall effect of the fragments.