Removal of intralenticular magnetic foreign bodies with intraocular magnet.

PURPOSE: To investigate the possibility of conservation of the lens after removal of intralenticular magnetic foreign bodies with intraocular magnet.

METHODS

Intralenticular magnetic foreign bodies of 15 patients were removed by using an intraocular magnet. The lens of each injury eye was conserved. Follow-up observation of these cases ranged from one to four years.

RESULTS

The intralenticular magnetic foreign bodies of 15 patients were successfully removed. The lens of each injury eye was conserved and the transparence of the lens was properly maintained. Sizes of these foreign bodies were measured, ranging from 0.3 mm to 3 mm in diameter. The follow-up observation showed that the corrected visual acuity of 14 cases was not changed after operation.

CONCLUSIONS

The intraocular magnet is very helpful for removal of magnetic foreign bodies from the transparent lens. This magnet allows removing of the foreign body by the surgeon and no damage to the lens was induced during the operation. Thus, maintenance of visual acuity of most of the patients can be achieved.