Simultaneous posterior chamber intraocular lens implant combined with vitreoretinal surgery for intraocular foreign body injuries

Purpose To evaluate the safety of simultaneous posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implant combined with complex vitreoretinal surgery for ocular trauma due to intraocular foreign body (IOFB). Methods We undertook a retrospective analysis of 10 patients who had undergone simultaneous cataract extraction, vitreoretinal surgery, removal of IOFB and posterior chamber IOL implant, for ocular trauma due to IOFB. The visual outcome and complications were noted. The surgical procedure is described. Results Ten young, male patients were followed for 5-30 months post-operatively. The post-operative visual acuity in the operated eye remained the same or improved as compared with their pre-operative vision. Eight patients had a visual acuity of 6/9 or better. One patient developed post-operative infective endophthalmitis. Three patients had retinal detachment post-operatively. The IOL was stable in all patients. Conclusions Simultaneous posterior chamber IOL implant with vitreoretinal surgery is safe in selected cases of severe ocular trauma due to IOFB. It allows early visual rehabilitation of young, working patients.