Application of intraorbital magnets in the removal of magnetic intraorbital foreign bodies

Abstract

Background

To explore a new surgical method for treating intraorbital foreign bodies.

Materials and methods

From January 2015 to December 2023, 35 patients with magnetic intraorbital foreign bodies, representing 35 affected eyes, were admitted to the Department of Ocular Trauma of Hebei Eye Hospital; these patients included 32 males and 3 females aged from 2 to 63 years (average: 36.97 ± 14.28 years). In the preoperative examinations and postoperative routine follow-ups, the basic conditions of the patients’ eyes were ascertained through visual acuity examination using an international standard chart, slit‒lamp microscopic examination, anterior- and posterior-segment examinations with anterior slit‒lamp lenses, and intraocular pressure measurements. The foreign bodies were properly localized on axial and coronal CT scans. All patients had deep, orbital, magnetic foreign bodies and underwent extraction using a strong magnet.

Results

Among the 35 patients (35 eyes), the foreign body was successfully removed from 34 eyes, with a success rate of 97.1%. In one patient, the foreign body had been retained in the posterior location of the orbit for nearly 30 years, with organizational encapsulation, and was not removed, considering the risk of damaging the globe and optic nerves. None of the patients experienced postoperative complications, such as decreased visual acuity, excessive intraorbital haemorrhage, aggravated limitation of eye movement, or intraorbital infection.

Conclusion

Foreign body removal using a strong magnet is the optimal surgical procedure for treating deep intraorbital metallic foreign bodies.