Polyethylene foreign body on the cornea.

PURPOSE: To report polyethylene as an unusual cause of corneal foreign body.

METHODS

Two patients presenting with ocular complaints showed a transparent foreign body on the cornea on careful slit-lamp examination. The foreign bodies were removed and subjected to chemical analysis by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry. Treatment was given in the form of topical antibiotics and tear substitutes.

RESULTS

The foreign bodies were identified as polyethylene. There were no sequelae after foreign-body removal.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of its transparent nature, polyethylene can be easily missed as a corneal foreign body. A meticulous slit-lamp examination is mandatory to identify it early for appropriate management.