Purpose: To describe a "magnetic conduction" technique for the removal of metallic intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) in the posterior segment combined with cataract extraction and pars plana vitrectomy and to report its outcomes.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 42 eyes of 42 patients with posterior metallic IOFBs between April 2020 and February 2022. In all patients, cataract extraction was combined with pars plana vitrectomy. With an external magnet, the IOFBs were captured by a magnetized vitrectomy cutter, delivered to the anterior chamber, and then extracted through a corneal phacoemulsification incision.
Results: All patients were men, with a mean age of 45.6 ± 10.7 years. The mean size of the IOFBs was 3.5 ± 1.7 mm (range, 1.5-8.9 mm) in their longest dimension. A final best-corrected visual acuity of 20/200 or better was noted in 24 of 42 patients (57.1%). Postoperatively, recurrent retinal detachment was seen in three eyes. There were no other intraoperative or postoperative complications.
Conclusion: The "magnetic conduction" technique combined with phacovitrectomy is a safe and feasible approach to removing IOFBs in the posterior segment.