Intraorbital Foreign Body (IOFB)

Definition

Foreign body of the orbit.

Epidemiology

True epidemiologic data is unavailable due to the relatively uncommon nature of this phenomenon. Recent retrospective consecutive case series show that the majority of patients are young males, perhaps owing to the accidental and sometimes violent nature of these injuries.

Etiology

Penetrating eyelid and orbital trauma.

History

Most patients present at the time of injury. Delayed presentation may occur after seemingly trivial trauma. In these cases, patients may complain of a progressive orbital mass, signs of orbital inflammation and infection, pain on eye movements, diplopia, and/or lagophthalmos. In children or noncommunicative patients, a high index of suspicion must be maintained as this information cannot be elicited.

A thorough history directs clinical management. Mechanism of trauma, associated injury, and loss of consciousness are vital, as they provide clues to the presence of potentially life-threatening injuries. Past...