THE OCULAR EFFECTS OF INTRALENTICULAR IRON FOREIGN-BODIES IN RABBITS

Optimal treatment of intralenticular metallic foreign-body injuries re mains controversial, especially in patients with clear lenses and good vision. Using 20 rabbit eyes, we examined the cataractogenic potentia l of intralenticular iron and its effects on the retina. Iron wire imp lanted into the lenses of 12 rabbit eyes caused cataracts in every eye within 4 weeks. However, after 4 1/2 weeks, none of these eyes showed evidence of retinal siderosis. No cataracts developed in five eyes wi th intralenticular glass, while three with intravitreal iron showed ma rked retinal toxicity. These results suggest that as long as the lense s remain clear, conservative management of these injuries carries mini mal risk of permanent retinal damage.