Silicone Oil-Assisted Removal of Large Intraocular Foreign Bodies.

PURPOSE: To describe a silicone oil-assisted technique for removal of large intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) through an enlarged sclerotomy.

METHODS

Description of the surgical technique in two pediatric patients with large posterior-segment IOFBs.

RESULTS

Two pediatric patients had large IOFBs, one involving the macular area and the other in the subretinal space. Because of the size of the IOFBs, an air/silicone oil (SO) exchange was performed before extraction. An enlarged sclerotomy was created, and the IOFB was removed with retinal forceps in one case and an external magnet in the other.

CONCLUSIONS

Removal of a large IOFB through an enlarged sclerotomy may cause substantial loss of ocular stability when the eye is maintained with active balanced salt solution infusion. SO tamponade before extraction may reduce rapid fluid egress, help maintain globe configuration, and facilitate controlled IOFB removal.