ABSTRACT

To evaluate the clinical findings in patients who underwent foreign body removal from the upper fornix and tarsal conjunctiva.

The records of the patients who underwent foreign body removal from the upper fornix or tarsal conjunctiva between 01.09.2011 and 30.09.2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Full ophthalmic examination was performed in all patients. The nature of the foreign body, the time to removal of the foreign body, additional anterior segment and corneal findings, and former ocular medications, if any, were also recorded.

Ninety-nine eyes of 93 patients were included in the study. The mean exposure time to the foreign body was 4.7 days, and this period was ranged from 0 to 60 days. The vast majority of the foreign bodies (61.3%, n=57) were organic. Thirteen patients (14%) were misdiagnosed and undertreated by at least one ophthalmologist. Corneal epithelial involvement was present in almost half of the patients (50.5%, n=47).

Foreign bodies settled in the upper conjunctival structures might cause a delay in the diagnosis and treatment. In case of suspicion of foreign body, a complete ophthalmologic examination including upper eyelid eversion and taking full medical history are important for determination of such foreign bodies.