Hot, liquid glass injury as a novel mechanism for intraocular foreign body.

PURPOSE: To report the occurrence of a novel mechanism of IOFB with hot, liquefied glass injury.

METHODS

Retrospective case series.

RESULTS

Two patients suffered an injury to their eye with hot, liquefied glass. The ocular findings included a single scleral entry wound with multiple glass fragments located inside the eye. Fragments were found embedded in the retina, as well as mobile on the retinal surface.

CONCLUSIONS

This distinctive mechanism involves an initial liquid state of glass causing injury, and results in multiple solidified glass IOFBs despite a single entrance wound. Though intraocular glass is typically inert, the unique characteristics of this injury may warrant a surgical approach. Surgical management proved successful in stabilizing vision and preventing further complications.