Visual Outcome and Prognostic Factors in Posterior Segment Intraocular Foreign Bodies
Somanus Thoongsuwan MD*, Nuttawut Rodanant MD*, Chakrapong Namatra MD*, Adisak Trinavarat MD*, Jutalai Tantaterdtum MD*, Apichart Singalavanija MD*, Supamas Rojananin MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Objective : To identify the prognostic factors that predict visual outcome in eyes with penetrating ocular injuries with retained
intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs).
Design : Retrospective cases series
Material and Method: The authors reviewed the records of 228 patients who had penetrating eye injuries with retained
posterior segment IOFBs managed at Siriraj Hospital between June 1995 and February 2008. One hundred and forty-one
patients (61.8%) were included in the present study. Associations between final visual outcome and various pre-operative and
post operative variables were statistically analyzed.
Results : After a mean follow-up of 10.4+7.7 months, 68 eyes (48.2%) achieved visual acuity of 6/18 or better. The final visual
acuity ranged between 6/24 and 6/60 in 22 eyes (15.6%) and 51 eyes (36.2%) had visual acuity less than 6/60. Final visual
acuity significantly depended on initial visual acuity (p = 0.002), size of entry wound (p = 0.020), size of foreign body (p =
0.018), presence of vitreous hemorrhage (p = 0.014), retinal detachment (p = 0.026) and endophthalmitis (p < 0.0001).
Conclusion : Visual outcome in penetrating ocular injuries with retained IOFBs was affected by initial visual acuity, size of
entry wound, size of foreign body, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment and endophthalmitis. These factors may be helpful
for pre-operative counseling and predicting the final visual outcome.
Keywords : Penetrating ocular injury, Intraocular foreign body, Eye trauma
