An intraocular foreign body detection using swept‐source OCT

Abstract

Purpose To describe a case report of a 35 years old metal worker with a corneal ulcer in his right eye treated with an antibiotics ointment by a primary care doctor that presented blurry vision two days later. Methods Examination of the anterior chamber by slit lamp, tonometry was used to determine intraocular pressure, funduscopy, Swept‐Source OCT and CT scan were performed. Results The patient right eye presented intense epibulbar and tarsal hyperemia, and it had a 1x1 mm corneal ulcer, positive in the fluorescent test, and an iridium hole below. Tyndall 2+ and IOP of 18 mmHg. No cataract was detected. Funduscopy examination showed a moderate amount of vitreous hemorrhage. A CT scan, retinography and a Swept‐Source OCT were performed and they revealed an intraocular foreign body located in the optic nerve area. The foreign body was removed via pars plana vitrectomy 23G surgery, requiring a magnet a demarcating laser. After four months the patient has a 20/20 visual acuity with no cataract. Conclusions This case underlines that although CT scan is considered the “gold standard” for the detection, localization and characterization of intraocular foreign bodies, new image techniques as Swept‐Source OCT can be a non invasive and accurate search tool in cases of intraocular foreign body.