Visual outcome and complications after removal of posterior segment intraocular foreign bodies through pars plana approach.

OBJECTIVE To assess the visual outcome and complications after removal of posterior segment retained intraocular foreign bodies through pars plana approach. STUDY DESIGN Case series. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Department of Ophthalmology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, from May 2005 to May 2006. METHODOLOGY Fifty patients with history of ocular foreign body were admitted through outpatient department and emergency. History, visual acuity, ocular and general examination was done. The foreign body was localized with the radiograph of the skull and ultrasonography. Primary repair was done in patients with open wounds. Pars plana vitrectomy, magnetic or forceps extraction of foreign body was done as required visual outcomes and complications were noted. RESULTS Among the 50 patients, there were 45 (90%) males and 5 (10%) females. Average age of the patients was 31.52 +9.52 (ranging from 20 to 50) years. The pre-operatively visual acuity finger counting to perception of light was 78% cases. The best corrected final visual acuity was 6/6 in 1 (2%) patient, 6/9 in 5 (10%) patients, 6/12 in 5 (10%) patients, 6/18 in 3 (6%) patients, 6/24 and 6/36 in 4 (8%) patients each, 6/60 in 4 (8%) patients, finger counting in 8 (16%) patients, hand movement in 4 (8%) patients, projection of light in 9 (18%) patients and no projection of light in 3 (6%) patients. The postoperative complications were corneal opacity in 8 (16%) patients, anterior chamber inflammatory reaction in 6 (12%) patients, increased intraocular pressure in 1 (2%) patient, silicone oil in anterior chamber in 1 (2%) patient, macular scar in 7 (14%) patients, cystoid macular edema in 1 (2%) patient, endophthalmitis in 4 (8%) patients, retinal detachment in 11 (22%) patients and phthisis bulbi in 3 (6%) patients. CONCLUSION Acceptable visual results were achieved after the removal of posterior segment intraocular foreign bodies by vitrectomy. However, multiple complications can be encountered which require meticulate postoperative care.