Occult intraocular foreign body: ultrasound biomicroscopy holds the key.

PURPOSE: To illustrate the successful management of an occult intraocular foreign body (IOFB) lodged posterior to the iris causing persistent endophthalmitis.

METHODS

Two young male patients presented with corneal laceration, endophthalmitis and foreign body on X-ray but not localized by B-scan ultrasonography or gonioscopy.

RESULTS

Ultrasound Biomicroscopy (UBM) localized the foreign body lodged between the posterior iris and anterior lens surface accurately, which was successfully removed through the limbus using an external magnet.

CONCLUSIONS

UBM is invaluable to accurately localize occult IOFBs lodged in the posterior iris or ciliary body region, which ensures good visual rehabilitation of these hitherto considered difficult cases.