Intraocular metallic-appearing foreign bodies after phacoemulsification.

Intraocular metallic-appearing foreign bodies in the anterior segment were seen in six eyes after cataract extraction by two-handed phacoemulsification. These fragments produced no symptoms and had no clinically significant effect on visual function. Similar-appearing foreign bodies were experimentally produced by applying ultrasound power with a phacoemulsification handpiece to the surface of a cyclodialysis spatula in vitro. Microscopic examination of the phaco handpiece tip and cyclodialysis spatulas revealed numerous surface irregularities, suggesting a possible source of these fragments. These results suggest that instrument touch during phacoemulsification may be the cause of the fragments. Long-term follow-up of these patients is required to determine the overall effect of the fragments.