[Big intraocular foreign body: case report].

Introduction: Penetrated injuries are most difficult injuries of the eye. Intraocular foreign body (IOFB) may lodge in any of the structures it encounters, from anterior chamber to the retina and choroid. Notable effects caused by foreign body injury include traumatic cataract, vitreous liquefaction, retinal and subretinal hemorrhages, retinal detachment and development of endophtalmitis.

Case Outline: A 49-year-old man sustained injury of the right eye with a piece of metal wire. On admission visual acuity was VOD: 1.0 and lower intraocular tension TOD = 6 mmHg (10-22 mmHg). Corneal entry wound was noticed near limb on 11 h with a prominating foreign body of 18 mm in length that passed through the iris, lens and vitreous. X-ray findings confirmed existence of a large foreign body extending along the entire length of the globe. IOFB removal was done with anatomic forceps. On postoperative detailed clinical examination we observed retinal rupture in the upper temporal quadrant fitting in the area of the IOFB damaged retina. Laser photocoagulation of retinal tear (laser retinal barrage) was done. Visual acuity on discharge was the same (1.0) and intraocular tension was within normal limits (10 mmHg).

Conclusion: Penetrated injury of eye requires detailed examination of all eye structures, beginning from the anterior to posterior segment. Timely diagnosed ruptures of the posterior segment of eye before the development of traumatic cataract, and adequate therapeutic procedures prevent serious complications of IOFB penetrated eye injury such as retinal detachment and permanent reduction of visual acuity.