Late onset of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments after successful posterior segment intraocular foreign body removal.

BACKGROUND/AIM: A lack of data exists concerning the development of late postoperative, non-proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRDs) after successful posterior segment intraocular foreign body (PSIOFB) removal. The authors present a series of PSIOFB cases over several years with posterior hyaloid separation resulting in RRD in two patients, 4 and 8 months after initial injury and vitrectomy. This report aims to increase awareness concerning the possibility of late RRDs complicating PSIOFB injuries and to emphasise careful long term observation.

METHODS: Medical records of consecutive cases referred for presumed PSIOFB injury during a 4 year period were retrospectively reviewed. All eyes referred for presumed PSIOFB injuries were included.

RESULTS: 11 patients were included in the series. Two patients had eyes so badly injured by large PSIOFBs that primary globe closure was followed within days by enucleation. Nine patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy for PSIOFB removal. Two patients experienced late RRDs that were managed with excellent long term visual outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: Late RRD may occur following successful removal of PSIOFBs, even several months after initial management. These RRDs may be successfully managed with a variety of methods, depending upon the extent and location of the detachment and causative break as well as surgeon comfort and preference.