Removal of semitranslucent cactus spines embedded in deep cornea with the aid of a fiberoptic illuminator.

PURPOSE: To report a rare case of multiple cactus spines embedded deep in the cornea that were removed with the aid of a fiberoptic illuminator.

DESIGN

Interventional case report.

METHODS

A 20-year-old man had an accidental ocular injury of the right eye when he hit a household miniature cactus plant. There were 80 to 90 spiculated foreign bodies embedded in the cornea, some of them even penetrating the anterior chamber.

RESULTS

Removal of the foreign bodies was performed with the aid of a fiberoptic illuminator, which was chosen because it provides superior visualization of the semitranslucent spines. No residual corneal spines were found postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Household miniature cactus plants can cause corneal injury, with multiple foreign bodies that can be difficult to localize and remove. The use of a fiberoptic illuminator in such a situation is simple and effective.