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.
If retinal folds, radiating from a retinal impact site, develop and interfere with vision by reaching into the macula—and even seemingly inconspicuous folds can cause severe visual disturbance—late chorioretinectomy should be considered. [20]
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).
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. [21]
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. [22]
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Metal intraocular foreign body located in the left temporal pars plana region seen on axial CT scan.
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Same metallic intraocular foreign body as in previous image, as seen on coronal CT scan view.
