Intraocular foreign bodies. Indications for lensectomy and vitrectomy.

This review of the outcome of the conventional management of magnetic foreign bodies shows that, with the exception of the severe open-eye injuries associated with large foriegn bodies, where immediate lensectomy and vitrectomy is required, conventional magnetic extraction should be performed as close to the foreign body as is feasible. It is important to assess posterior segment damage both before and after extraction of the foreign body, as the subsequent management will depend on the presence of vitreous haemorrhage and retinal damage.