Late Complications of Retained Intra-Orbital Foreign Bodies and Indications for Surgical Management

The devastating effect of ocular trauma from intra-ocular and intra-orbital projectiles has been well documented in the medical literature. While common knowledge suggests that retained intra-orbital metallic foreign bodies that are not causing any sequelae should be left in place, there are currently no clear guidelines of when removal of a symptomatic retained intra-orbital should be undertaken. We present five cases with late complications of retained intra-orbital foreign bodies, where surgical management was employed to preserve vision and provide symptomatic relief.