Introduction Retained metallic foreign bodies after cataract surgery are rare. This finding prompts questions regarding the source of the material, the potential for inflammation or toxicity, whether removal is indicated, and the safety of any future magnetic resonance imaging. Case Report An asymptomatic 88-year-old man presented 1 month after reportedly uncomplicated phacoemulsification of his right eye performed elsewhere. Dozens of metallic-appearing foreign bodies were embedded within the temporal incision tunnel, superior paracentesis site, and iris stroma. The findings remained unchanged over 2 years of observation. Conclusion A review of the literature reveals that metallic intraocular foreign bodies introduced during cataract surgery originate from a variety of sources. The degree of ocular response to the retained material is influenced by its size and composition. Many, but not all, are inert. The ferromagnetism of the metal and its size and shape inform suitability for any future magnetic resonance imaging.
Benjamin I. Graham (Mon,) studied this question.