Phthisis bulbi with a large protruding foreign body--a rare complication of penetrating injuries.

Spontaneous extrusion of a retained intraocular foreign body is a rare occurrence. An unusual case is described in a 30-year-old male, where a foreign body remained in the eye for four years and then, as phthisis set in, the foreign body gradually extruded, causing constant irritation of the upper lid. Such a situation has not been documented before. Its management along with the histopathologic features are discussed in the light of the available literature.