ULTRASOUND BIOMICROSCOPY AND ECHOGENIC EXTERNAL MARKER ASSISTED INTRAOCULAR FOREIGN BODY REMOVAL.

Purpose: We report a novel method of intraoperative localization of a retained anterior intraocular foreign body (IOFB), using a combination of ultrasound biomicrosopy and an insulated needle.

Methods: A retrospective case report of a 56-year-old man who presented with a right eye IOFB.

Results: On presentation, vision was decreased in the right eye to count fingers with a small subconjunctival hemorrhage, but no other signs of a penetrating laceration. Orbital CT revealed an IOFB, and the initial vitrectomy failed to retrieve the IOFB. Then, during the subsequent vitrectomy, using an ultrasound compatible needle and an ultrasound biomicrosopy, we were able to precisely locate and remove the small anterior IOFB.

Conclusion: Retained IOFBs can lead to severe irreversible vision loss if not promptly removed. Ancillary imaging modalities and localization techniques can help locate occult IOFBs in difficult cases.