Background. This study was done to evaluate the results of surgery performed for removal of glass intraocular foreign bodies.
Methods. A prospective study of consecutive cases which have been operated upon for removal of glass intraocular foreign body during the period from May, 1995 to May, 2001 was done.
Results. Nine eyes of 9 patients were operated upon during the study period. All were males with an average age of 21.8 years. Unbelted car occupants were the affected persons in 8 out of 9. In all cases, the foreign body was removed with repair of the injury related complications. Forty four percent had 20/50 or better vision. Eighty nine percent had 20/200 or more. Severe retinal injury was associated with poor visual outcome.
Conclusions. Glass foreign bodies need special instruments for extraction. Good visual outcome can be obtained if the retina is not severely affected. Motor vehicle accidents affecting unbelted occupant are the main cause of glass intraocular foreign bodies.