Recognising and dealing with corneal foreign bodies: thorns

Abstract

Corneal thorn penetration injuries are an infrequent ophthalmic presentation. Treating them successfully depends on careful examination, surgical dexterity using the appropriate equipment and adequate post‐operative medication.

Corneal and anterior segment foreign body trauma in dogs: a review of 218 cases

“…This may reflect the higher activity levels of young dogs, these particular breeds, and the use of certain breeds as working dogs. The tendency for working dogs to suffer from corneal FBs has been postulated in previous reports, and the presented data supported this hypothesis. Interestingly, most of the cases were seen during winter months.…”

“…For the majority of patients in this study, FB removal required general anesthesia and the use of a surgical microscope. The instrument most often used to dislodge the FB was a hypodermic needle in accordance with previous reports . The needle is used to impale the base of the thorn and move backward (i.e., in the opposite direction to the corneal penetration) .…”