Vitrectomy in the management of intraocular foreign bodies and their complications

Open Globe Injury with Intraocular Foreign Body

Purpose

To investigate characteristics of Open Globe Injuries (OGI) that presented with Intra-Ocular Foreign Body (IOFB), along with their long-term visual outcomes, complications and need for subsequent surgeries.

Methods

Retrospective interventional consecutive case series of OGIs with IOFBs that presented to the Eye Trauma service at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear from 2010 to 2015. Data collected included time from injury to OGI repair, location of injury and IOFB, retinal detachment (RD) rate, presenting and final visual acuity (VA) and subsequent surgeries.

Results

Fifty-seven consecutive cases of OGIs with IOFBs were included. The majority of patients were male (93%), mean age was 37 years and mean follow-up was 28 +/- 22 months. The median time from injury to OGI repair was 0 days (range: 0-16 days). Overall, 38/57 (66.7%) eyes achieved final vision of 20/40 or better and 43/57 (75.4%) vision of 20/150 or better. Zone I injuries were the most common (86%), followed by Zone II (16%), and Zone III (10%). 33 cases had IOFBs in the anterior segment only and 24 cases had posterior segment involvement. In total, 30% of cases (17/57) were complicated by an RD, 58.3% (14/24) in the posterior versus 9.1% (3/33) in the anterior IOFB group.( p<0.01). There were no cases of endophthalmitis. Posterior IOFB and higher zone of injury were found to be risk factors for RD both at presentation (all p<0.05) and post-primary repair.(all p<0.05) Posterior IOFB was associated with higher vitrectomy rates both at presentation (p<0.0001) and post-primary repair (p=0.002) and worse long-term visual outcome (p = 0.014).

Conclusion

OGIs with IOFB involving the posterior segment are associated with higher complication and re-operation rates and worse visual prognosis compared to those involving the anterior segment only.

Encapsulated metallic intraocular foreign body of long duration presenting with cystoid macular edema and normal full-field electroretinogram

The purpose of the study is to report an unusual case of encapsulated iron intraocular foreign body (IOFB) of long duration presenting with cystoid macular edema (CME) and normal full-field electroretinogram (ERG). A 28-year-old male presented with a history of metal injury 5 years back and subsequent visual loss in the left eye for 3 months. Fundus examination of the left eye showed an encapsulated cyst-like structure inferior to the disc with the surrounding pigmentary changes and CME. B-scan ultrasonography and computed tomography scan confirmed metallic IOFB. A full-field ERG performed before surgery showed a normal response. He underwent pars plana vitrectomy with IOFB extraction and silicone oil injection as a tamponade. Two months later, silicone oil removal was combined with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) injection for persistent edema. Meticulous clinical evaluation, imaging, electrophysiological testing coupled with surgical intervention, and IVTA injection resulted in resolution of CME with minimal visual improvement. In conclusion long-standing encapsulated iron IOFB on the retina can cause vision-threatening complications without siderosis.

Management of Posterior Segment Foreign Bodies and Long-Term Results

The management of 158 posterior segment intraocular foreign bodies (IOFB) was retrospectively analyzed: transscleral magnet extraction via the pars plana was used for 40 magnetic IOFB, transscleral extraction via the IOFB bed for 35 magnetic and 4 non-magnetic IOFB, pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for 44 magnetic and 32 non-magnetic IOFB, and open-sky vitrectomy for 3 non-magnetic IOFB. Final visual acuity of 0.02 and better was achieved in 104 out of 119 magnetic IOFB (87%) and 24 out of 39 non-magnetic IOFB (62%), and final visual acuity 0.05 and better in 79 magnetic IOFB (66%) and 17 non-magnetic IOFB (44%). Transscleral extraction via the IOFB bed under ophthalmoscopic control and IOFB removal by PPV proved to be the operations of choice for an increasing number of IOFB. For magnetic IOFB, these techniques yielded better final functional results than transscleral magnet extraction via the pars plana. Final visual acuity did not depend on the interval between injury and IOFB removal, and with regard to the risk of endophthalmitis, IOFB need not be considered an absolute indication for immediate intervention. IOFB size up to 5 mm2 and initial visual acuity of 0.5 and better were significant positive factors for both magnetic and non-magnetic IOFB.

Intraocular Foreign Bodies: Myths and Truths

Over the centuries, the management of eyes with intraocular foreign bodies (IOFB) has posed a special challenge to the physician, and the anxiety created by such injuries has never abated. During the past few decades, several new diagnostic tests, IOFB removal techniques, and methods to treat the complications of the injury have been introduced. Nevertheless, old habits die hard: many of the management options that used to be standard are not appropriate any more but have proved difficult to change. This article reviews over forty of these die-hard myths and confronts them with factual statements published in the peer-review international literature.

Intraocular foreign bodies: A review

Intraocular foreign body injuries may result in a wide range of intraocular pathology and visual outcomes based on the mechanism of injury, type of foreign body, and subsequent complications. We have reviewed the literature to describe the epidemiology and mechanisms of such injuries; types of foreign bodies; imaging tools for diagnosis; current trends in management, presurgical, and surgical interventions; as well as visual prognosis and potential complications. The purpose of this review is to familiarize clinicians with the recent advances in diagnosis and management of such injuries.

23 gauge pars plana vitrectomy for the removal of retained intraocular foreign bodies

Background

To evaluate the morpho-functional outcomes and safety of transconjuctival 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy(PPV) for removal of intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs).

Methods

A retrospective study of 36 consecutive cases (mean age; 34,2 ± 10,9 years (between 15 and 60), 27 M,9 F) of 23-G PPV for the removal of IOFBs during the period of April 2009 and December 2011 and followed 9,4 ± 6,4(2–27) months were conducted. Visual outcomes, slit lamp biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure (IOP), and posterior segment visualization by indirect ophthalmoscopy, A-B mode ultrasonography, and computed orbital tomography were performed for all cases. Main outcomes including anatomic and visual outcomes, and both intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded.

Results

Of the 36 cases available for the study, the IOFBs (size range, 3 to 12 mm) could be removed in all eyes. Mean preoperative LogMAR BCVA was 1.44 ± 138 (range, 1.00 to 0.00) and mean postoperative LogMAR BCVA at final visit was 0,78 ± 0,98 (range, 1.00 to 0.00). (P = 0,007) Anatomic success was obtained in 97.2 % of eyes. 16 patients needed primary wound repair due to the leakage in insertion sites before the PPV, however remaining 20 cases were not. Fibrin reaction was seen in 8 (22.2 %) patients in early postoperative period, intraocular pressure elevation was detected in 12 (33.3 %) patients in which the silicone oil was used as an intravitreal tamponade, one patient with silicone oil tamponade developed band keratopathy and phthisis bulbi.

Conclusions

23-Gauge PPV is a feasible, effective approach in the surgical management of the patients with posterior segment intraocular foreign bodies.

[Intraocular foreign bodies (IOFB) of the posterior segment: retrospective analysis and management of 57 cases]

PURPOSE

To determine the influence of prognostic factors and the type of tamponade agent in surgical management of intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) for better visual outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-seven consecutive cases were retrospectively reviewed at the XV-XX National Hospital (Paris) between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2007. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic variables. Several parameters were measured: pre- and postoperatively: best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), material and size of the foreign body, entry site, time from trauma to surgical removal, IOFB location, initial retinal detachment, choice of vitreous tamponade agent (none, gas, silicone oil), postoperative visual outcome, and complications (siderosis, endophthalmitis, and vitreoproliferative retinal detachment).

RESULTS

Metal IOFBs accounted for the majority with 80.7% (n=46). The inferior retinal segment was the most frequent location found: 47.4% (n=27). Initial and final mean BCVAs were, respectively, 1.47 (±0.99) and 1.03 (±0.96) (LogMar scale). The mean follow-up was 20.7 months (range, 12-60 months). Initial retinal detachment was found in 24.56% (n=14), with a statically worse prognosis. The BCVA was better in the group with gas tamponade (n=16) than in the group with silicone tamponade (n=21) and the group without a tamponade agent (n=20). Initial BCVA was the most important predictive factor for final BCVA. Time to surgery was a predictive factor of final visual outcome with a cut-off in the first week. The scleral or corneoscleral entry site had a better prognosis than the corneal site. Five cases of siderosis (8.7%) related to delayed management and two cases of endophthalmitis (3.5%) were found (despite use of prophylactic systemic antibiotics). No statistical difference was found regarding the IOFB location on the retina, its size, or the material. Finally, the retina remained detached in nine cases (15.78%). A final BCVA of 20/40 or more was obtained in 39.3 and 17.5% had light perception or worse.

CONCLUSION

The prognosis of an IOFB injury is for the most part uncertain due to a complex combination of parameters. Nevertheless, good postoperative results can be achieved without a silicone tamponade agent. The main prognostic factors related to better visual outcome were initial BCVA, time to surgery (first week), initially attached retina, and the scleral entry site. The main complications were vitreoproliferative retinal detachment, endophthalmitis, and siderosis. The location, type, and size of IOFBs were not statistically significant predictive factors in this study.

Role of prophylactic scleral buckling in the management of retained intraocular foreign bodies

PURPOSE

To evaluate the role of prophylactic scleral buckling procedure with pars plana vitrectomy for the removal of retained intraocular foreign bodies (RIOFB) in the prevention of postoperative retinal detachment.

METHODS

In a prospective, clinical, controlled study, 28 patients with RIOFB without retinal detachment were randomly divided into two groups of 15 (group I) and 13 (group II) patients. All patients underwent a standard three-port pars plana vitrectomy with foreign body removal. In addition to this standard procedure, patients assigned to group I had a 360 degrees encircling scleral buckle placed at the time of surgery. Group II patients did not have any scleral buckling. All patients were followed up for an average period of 11.8 months. Both groups were comparable with respect to age, sex, duration of injury, nature of injury, and site, size and type of RIOFB.

RESULTS

The retinal detachment rate was found to be 6.6% in group I and 30.8% in group II (P = 0.24). Prophylactic scleral buckling reduced the risk of retinal detachment by 24% but this was not found to be statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic scleral buckle placement with pars plana vitreous surgery for RIOFB may reduce the risk of late onset retinal detachment. A larger study would seem warranted.

Controversies in the management of open-globe injuries involving the posterior segment

There are numerous unresolved issues and controversies regarding the management of open-globe injuries involving the posterior segment. These areas include, but are not limited to, the following issues. Although vitrectomy has been shown to improve visual outcomes and allow retention of the eye in many cases, the extent of visual improvement is often limited because of the nature of the injury. Timing of vitrectomy surgery has been and will continue to be debated by proponents of early versus delayed intervention. The multiple features of acute ocular injury make it very difficult to interpret retrospective data regarding the most appropriate timing for surgical intervention. The use of prophylactic cryotherapy, in the setting of a scleral laceration with possible retinal damage, is not as controversial at present, as there is now sufficient data indicating that cryotherapy may actually exacerbate intraocular proliferation and worsen the situation. The role and benefit of a prophylactic scleral buckle is very widely contested, and it is not known if it truly decreases the risk of subsequent retinal detachment. Another area of debate centers on the use of antibiotics. When there is a known clinical infection, intravitreal antibiotics are the mainstays of therapy. However, in the absence of clinical infection, the use of prophylactic antibiotics and their routes of administration are quite controversial. Although there are significant data regarding the use of antibiotics in the postoperative setting, this information cannot be extrapolated into the setting of open-globe injuries, as organisms and virulence factors differ. Similarly, the use of vitrectomy versus vitreous tap in the setting of traumatic endophthalmitis is not fully resolved, although vitrectomy is used in most cases to repair concurrent damage from the injury itself. Finally, the placement of intraocular lenses in the acute trauma setting is controversial, as the risk of complications is quite high. Prospective, controlled clinical studies have not been done. This article reviews pertinent data regarding these management issues and controversies, and provides recommendations for treatment based on the available published data and the authors' personal experience.

The management of intraocular foreign bodies

This study of 69 cases of retained intraocular foreign body confirms that eyes with anterior segment foreign bodies fare better than those with posterior segment foreign bodies, that eyes with smaller foreign bodies fare better than those with larger, and that the magnet is the safest method of removal. There is no evidence to support primary vitrectomy in every case of posterior segment foreign body. Computerised tomography is the best method of localisation, but a foreign body can be missed on computerised tomography, and a plain x-ray is still the best method of detection.

Management of intraocular foreign bodies

Thirty-five consecutive cases of perforating ocular injuries with retained intraocular foreign body (IOFB) are examined in this retrospective study. Of the 35 cases with injuries, 30 (86%) were due to metallic foreign bodies. Of these, 25 (83%) involved foreign bodies of ferromagnetic origin. Magnetic extraction in combination with pars plana vitrectomy (or when possible, magnetic extraction alone) was successfully used to remove these foreign bodies. Even in cases where posterior vitrectomy is indicated, magnetic extraction allows good control of the foreign body during removal minimizing surgical trauma and the subsequent postoperative inflammatory response.

Long-term visual acuity results after penetrating and perforating ocular injuries

Of 33 consecutive patients (30 males and three females, ranging in age from 5 to 48 years) with penetrating ocular injuries, 13 had retained metallic intraocular foreign bodies. The remaining 20 had no retained foreign bodies and their injuries were generally more severe lacerating or double perforating injuries. Magnet extraction was used for foreign body extraction when possible, and pars plana posterior vitrectomy was used only for late complications. The long-term visual acuity results indicated that wound repair, conventional magnet extraction, and removal of traumatic cataract and anterior vitreous blood through a limbal incision is still a viable treatment for many such injuries.

Management of intraretinal foreign bodies

Closed posterior intraocular microsurgery with vitreous instruments and bimanual surgical techniques have markedly altered the management of intraocular foreign bodies (IOFB). This paper presents an approach to 14 metallic intraretinal foreign bodies (IRFB) that could not be removed by conventional methods. In all cases, posterior vitrectomy was required to visualize the foreign body or to facilitate its removal through a pars plana incision with intraocular forceps under microscopic visualization. Although successful removal of the intraretinal foreign body was possible in all 14 patients, central visual acuity of 20/400 or better was obtainable in only 40% of this series. An important observation in these patients was a tendency to macular pucker from subsequent epiretinal membrane formation and retinal detachment with massive periretinal proliferation (MPP), which occurred in 90% of these eyes. Despite an obviously enhanced ability to remove foreign bodies from the retina, made possible by vitreous instruments and surgical techniques, the magnitude of the secondary complications in this variety of ocular trauma suggests a poor visual prognosis for such injuries.