Metal in the Eye

I have had patients come into the office who are working around metal who have gotten small pieces embedded in the cornea (the front surface). Many times these could be removed fairly easily. Sometimes a rust ring forms around the metal particle and has to be either picked out with a needle of removed with a bur. Generally, as long as the particle doesn't embed in the line of sight, no loss of vision occurs. If however it does embed centrally. A possible scar could result, possibly leading to a disturbance of vision..

If the impact of the metal is high it could possibly penetrate through the front surface. More heroic measures are necessary to remove the particle and a significant loss of vision could occur.

It is so important that when working in any area where paticles could even remotely have a chance of entering the eye, safety glasses must be worn.