Surveillance of intraocular foreign bodies in the UK

Abstract

Aims To estimate the incidence of penetrating injuries with retained intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) in the United Kingdom, and to provide epidemiological data on the aetiology, management, and visual outcome of such injuries. Methods Cases were identified prospectively by active surveillance through the British Ophthalmological Surveillance Unit reporting card system, for the 12-month period June 2004 to May 2005 inclusive. Questionnaire data were obtained from UK ophthalmologists at presentation and 6 months following presentation. Results Data were available on 97 patients at presentation and 95 patients at follow-up. The minimum estimated incidence of IOFBs in the United Kingdom identified in this study was 0.16 per 100 000. All patients were male. Hammering was the most common mechanism of injury, occurring in 62% of patients. The IOFB was found in the anterior segment in 24%, the posterior segment in 73%, and involved both segments in 3%. Endophthalmitis was diagnosed in 9% of patients. Best-corrected visual acuity of the injured eye at final follow-up was 6/12 or better in 67%, 6/18 to 6/60 in 11%, and worse than 6/60 in 22%. Prognostic factors for a poor visual outcome included poor visual acuity at presentation, prolapse of intraocular tissue, development of endophthalmitis, development of retinal detachment, and large size of IOFB. Conclusions The incidence of IOFB in the United Kingdom appears to have reduced compared to previous studies. The majority of patients (67%) retain good visual acuity in the injured eye; however, a significant minority (22%) sustain long-term severe visual loss.

Treatment and Outcome of Traumatic Endophthalmitis in Open Globe Injury with Retained Intraocular Foreign Body

“…The incidence of traumatic endophthalmitis after open globe injury with RIOFB ranged from 4.7 to 13.3% (mean = 6.8%) in the literature [2,3,4,5,6,7] and 12% in the current study. Previous reports have demonstrated that the risk of traumatic endophthalmitis increased when ocular injuries were associated with RIOFB and in rural areas [2,3,4].…”

“…The early signs of traumatic endophthalmitis may be masked by the concomitant ocular injuries. Ophthalmologists should be alert to the clues and signs of endophthalmitis in these patients [7]. The early diagnosis and treatment of endophthalmitis require a high index of suspicion.…”

Surveillance of severe chemical corneal injuries in the UK

“…This was a prospective population-based study performed in association with the British Ophthalmological Surveillance Unit (BOSU) monthly reporting system as previously described 13 14. All ophthalmologists with clinical autonomy in the UK receive a monthly reporting card with definitions of the conditions currently under surveillance.…”

Results of Vitreoretinal Surgery in Posterior Segment Foreign Bodies

“…Arka segmente yerleşmiş göz içi yabancı cisimlerin eşlik ettiği göz yaralanmaları genellikle iş kazaları sırasında meydana gelmekte ve en çok gençler ve erkekler bu tür kazalara maruz kalmaktadır. [2][3][4] Çalışmamızdaki hastaların da hepsi erkekti, yaş ortalaması 36.3 idi ve travmaların %70'i iş kazası ile iliş-kiliydi.…”