Before and After Images of Metallic Foreign Body Removal

Naman Kumar Shah, B.Optom.

Clinical Optometrist, Dr. Patwardhan’s Nandadeep Eye Hospital, Sangli, India

Image: Before and After Images of Metallic Foreign Body Removal

Image Summary

Before and after images of metallic foreign body removal from the cornea. While grinding metal without protective eyewear, this patient unfortunately had a metallic foreign body lodged in his cornea. Thankfully, it was embedded superficially. People who work outdoors or with heavy equipments, labour, drivers, woodcutters, fitters and turners, boilermakers, people hammering metal on metal, gardening and using motorised tools or chemicals, are at high risk of eye injuries. Grinding metal is particularly dangerous, because small shards can perforate the eye and even get lodged inside the eye necessitating emergency care.

What’s the best way to prevent eye injuries?

Wear safety goggles/eye protection! Even cooking, yard work or gardening, cleaning and home improvement projects pose a risk to your eyes. Chemicals from oven sprays and bleach-based cleaners can cause scarring, permanent damage to the surface of the eye and blindness. Don’t try to remove a foreign body from the eye by yourself, and avoid rubbing your eyes as it may lead to ulceration and scarring. Immediately visit your nearby optometrist or ophthalmologist.