Lack of toxicity during long-term follow-up of intraocular metallic fragments after pars plana vitrectomy.

A 45-year-old woman underwent pars plana vitrectomy for vitreous hemorrhage in the right eye 20 years prior to presentation. She also had prior phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation and subsequent laser capsulotomy in the right eye. Multiple preretinal metallic fragments were visible on the retinal surface and were presumed to be stainless steel fragments from the vitrectomy instrument. The fragments were documented by color photography, fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, and echography. Visual acuity was 20/30, electrophysiologic testing was normal, and no signs of toxicity were present. No surgical intervention was planned.