Workplace Trauma with Massive Intraorbital Foreign Body, A Dramatic Outcome

Abstract

Background: Intra-orbital foreign bodies [IOFB] are considered a rare condition, and an enormous challenge to surgeons, as it might be difficult to diagnose in some cases even with the current advances in imaging technology. Retained IOFB can be a cause of major visual morbidity and blindness, especially in the working population. Purpose: In this article, we report a case of IOFB that occurred as a result of workplace related trauma while drilling ceramic. Methods: Case report and literature review using PubMed. Case Presentation: we present a case of a 30 years old male, not known to have any medical illness, the patient presented to the emergency department after getting trauma while drilling ceramic. Orbital computed tomography [CT] showed multiple high-density objects situated in a circumferential pattern around the globe. Results: The patient underwent lateral canthotomy and cantholysis in the emergency department, followed by three exploratory operations to remove intraorbital foreign bodies [FBs] . Luckily, the patient in our case regained a 0.5 visual acuity, with an impressive improvement in the extraocular muscle motility, with only mild restriction in the upper and lower gazes. The patient was followed up for 2 years after the incident, he was stable during that period. Conclusions: IOFB is an ophthalmological emergency, careful history, examination, and investigations are important steps in diagnosing IOFB since it can be easily missed when depending solely on imaging. Timely management is crucial to prevent irreversible complications.