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Indications for removal of foreign bodies from the eye
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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The given classification of metalloses allows for early diagnostics and the correct decision on surgical intervention, in particular in the case of a long-term presence of a foreign body in the eye, especially in cases where the removal of the fragment presents great technical difficulties. In all cases, it is necessary to strive for the earliest possible extraction of the fragment from the eye.
In the first stage of the process, removal of the fragment may be temporarily postponed if the iron- or copper-containing foreign body is located in the macular or paramacular region, in the transparent lens.
The second stage of development - special attention is paid to electrophysiological studies. With initial changes in the anterior part of the eye, it is possible to refrain from removing the fragment; if changes in the retina are detected, characteristic of siderosis or chalcosis, this is the basis for removing the foreign body.
The third stage - with a developed process, removal of the foreign body is indicated in all cases, regardless of the location of the fragment.
Stage four - in advanced cases, removal of the foreign body is indicated when vision is preserved (but not more than 0.1). If visual acuity is low, within the limits of light perception, then removal of the fragment is inappropriate, since, despite its extraction, the functions of the eye are completely lost due to the abundant accumulation of iron or copper salts in the eye tissues and the progression of the process.
The proposed classification allows to establish indications for cataract extraction in patients with siderosis and chalcosis. At stages I, II, III of the process development, cataract extraction may be indicated. At an advanced stage, removal of the cloudy lens does not provide the required optical effect, and therefore the operation is inappropriate.
All patients who have not had a foreign body removed from their eye in a timely manner must be under constant observation by an ophthalmologist. Preventive examination of such patients is mandatory every six months.
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