Management of an Intraocular Foreign Body During Cataract Surgery

Dr. Soosan Jacob describes removal of an unexpected foreign body (FB) from the vitreous cavity following phacoemulsification. After discovering the object, the phaco probe is removed without first stabilizing the anterior chamber. Though this causes vitreous prolapse, the sudden shallowing of the chamber brings the metallic FB into view, after which it is gently coaxed out through the main incision using forceps and a magnet. Vitrectomy is performed to remove any remaining vitreous in the anterior chamber, and the IOL is placed without complication.