SURGICAL-MANAGEMENT OF INTRARETINAL FOREIGN-BODIES

Purpose: To identify the clinical features in eyes with intraretinal f oreign bodies (IRFBs) and evaluate the results of surgical management in these cases.Methods: The records of 75 patients (76 eyes) with IRFB s were retrospectively reviewed. All eyes underwent vitrectomy. The IR FBs were removed with intraocular forceps in 45 eyes (59.2%) and by ma gnetic extraction in 31 eyes (40.8%), either through pars plana sclero tomy or through the sclera over the IRFB after precise localization. L aser photocoagulation or cryotherapy was performed around the IRFB bef ore surgery in 38 eyes. Results: The average follow-up period was 34 m onths. Of the 75 patients, 46 (61.3%) were injured at war. The IRFBs w ere metallic in 71 (93.4%) eyes. Of these, 59 (83%) were ferromagnetic . In these 76 eyes, final visual acuity was 20/15-20/40 in 37 (48.6%), and 20/50-20/200 in another 10 (13%). In 19 eyes (25%), partial or to tal retinal detachment was present at the final follow-up examination. Conclusion: Surgical management of IRFBs is a complicated procedure. The appropriate route of removal may be determined by the type and sit e of the embedded IRFB. Performance of a meticulous vitrectomy is mand atory, and an attempt should be made to minimize the rate of iatrogeni c peripleral retinal breaks. Preoperative retinopexy around the site o f the embedded foreign body is recommended, if possible, to reduce the risk of retinal detachment. The prognosis in eyes with IRFBs and rheg matogenous retinal detachment is guarded.