Intraocular Foreign Body Follow-up
- Author: Ferenc Kuhn, MD, PhD; Chief Editor: Hampton Roy Sr, MD more...
Further Inpatient Care
- Unless serious complications are present, the patient can be discharged shortly after surgery.
- Educate the patient about the potential of both early complications (eg, intraocular pressure elevation) and late complications (eg, scarring).
Further Outpatient Care
- Follow-up visits are necessary for at least 4 months to determine whether proliferative vitreoretinopathy has occurred. Rehabilitation service may be necessary if permanent visual impairment is present.
Inpatient & Outpatient Medications
- Topical antibiotics and corticosteroids in the early postoperative period are indicated.
Deterrence/Prevention
- Safety eyewear made of polycarbonate (3 mm in thickness) virtually eliminates the risk of intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs).
Complications
- Endophthalmitis, corneal scarring, elevated intraocular pressure, cataract, retinal detachment, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and metallosis (eg, chalcosis, siderosis) are possible complications.[19]
Prognosis
- The prognosis is generally relatively good. Over one half of eyes with IOFB injury regain/retain reading vision.
Patient Education
- Eye protection when partaking in risky activities (eg, hammering, mowing the lawn) is strongly recommended.[20]
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