Intrusion of retinal tacks

Am J Ophthalmol. 1987 May 15;103(5):672-80. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9394(14)74328-4.

Abstract

We examined nine patients in whom retinal tacks intruded into the eye and lodged in the subretinal space, preretinal space, vitreous cavity, or anterior chamber. Complications included retinal pigment epithelium atrophy; retinal phlebitis; vitreous hemorrhage; focal corneal, iris, and retinal injury; and corneal edema. The intrusion of the retinal tacks did not apparently cause, but was associated with retinal redetachment in five patients. Factors associated with intrusion of the retinal tacks included absence of a barb at the end of the tack to anchor it to the sclera, absence of a groove in the tack, a short shaft, incomplete penetration of the retina, choroid, and sclera by the tack, self-inflicted trauma to the eye, placing a scleral buckle after inserting the tacks, and reproliferation of periretinal membranes. In four patients the intruded tacks did not cause any complications. In four patients the intruded tacks were removed without complications and in the remaining five patients, they were left in the eye.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Eye Foreign Bodies / complications
  • Eye Foreign Bodies / pathology
  • Female
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Retinal Detachment / surgery*
  • Scleral Buckling / adverse effects
  • Sutures / adverse effects*
  • Vitrectomy / adverse effects