Intraocular Foreign Body (IOFB) Follow-up

Updated: Jan 15, 2023
  • Author: Ferenc Kuhn, MD, PhD; Chief Editor: Inci Irak Dersu, MD, MPH  more...
  • Print
Follow-up

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. [21]

Next:

Further Inpatient Care

Unless serious complications are present, the patient can be discharged shortly after surgery.

Educate the patient about the potential for both early complications (eg, intraocular pressure elevation) and late complications (eg, scarring).

Previous
Next:

Inpatient & Outpatient Medications

Topical antibiotics and corticosteroids in the early postoperative period are indicated.

Previous
Next:

Deterrence/Prevention

Safety eyewear made of polycarbonate (3 mm in thickness) virtually eliminates the risk for intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs).

Previous
Next:

Complications

Endophthalmitis, corneal scarring, elevated intraocular pressure, cataract, retinal detachment, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and metallosis (eg, chalcosis, siderosis) are possible complications. [22]

Previous
Next:

Prognosis

The prognosis generally is relatively good. Over one half of eyes with IOFB injury regain/retain reading vision.

Previous
Next:

Patient Education

Eye protection when partaking in risky activities (eg, hammering, mowing the lawn) is strongly recommended. [23]

Previous