The Open Ophthalmology Journal

Article Title:

Abstract:

Purpose: Superficial foreign body present on the conjunctiva or cornea can be easily detected and removed, and may pose minimal harm if addressed promptly. In this report, we present a case with a metallic foreign body remained within the subconjunctival space for over 50 years without significant ocular complications. Observation:. An 80-year-old woman presented with a complaint of blurred vision in both eyes. Slit-lamp examination showed the cataract bilaterally and incidentally revealed the presence of a tiny black foreign body within subconjunctival space in the left eye. No further abnormal findings were observed in the fundus and extraocular components in both eyes. After inquiring about the patient's history of trauma, it was revealed that over 50 years ago, the patient experienced an ocular injury from a shard of iron while working at a factory. Given the impending cataract surgery and associated risks, the subconjunctival foreign body was removed under topical anesthesia in the operating room and identified as a magnetic metal fragment. At the 1-month follow-up, the patient had fully recovered from the incision site, with no observed adverse effects. Conclusions and Importance: In this case, there appears to be no severe consequences associated with the long-term retention of a subconjunctival metallic foreign body. Nonetheless, it is imperative to conduct meticulous patient evaluations and interventions to mitigate the potential risk of injury.