Giacalone, Joseph C.

Purpose: To describe an improved snare technique for the removal of an intraocular foreign body (IOFB) from the posterior segment. Methods: The snare is fashioned from a 23 or 25-gauge blunt-tipped cannula, a 5-0 or 6-0 nylon suture, and a cotton-tipped applicator. The snare is introduced through a 23 or 25-gauge vitrectomy port and tightened around the IOFB, maintaining a closed system. The IOFB can be extracted from the eye by pulling the cannula and extending the circumferential sclerotomy. Results: Four cases of IOFBs were treated using the improved nylon suture snare technique. Three of the four were traumatic open-globe injuries with retained IOFB, for which the snare technique was suitable for removal of the object. In the fourth case, the snare technique was used to remove a posteriorly dislocated silicone intraocular lens optic. No cases of postoperative retinal detachments or endophthalmitis were observed. Conclusion: This snare is fashioned from readily available, inexpensive materials and provides a safe and reliable method for IOFB removal through the vitrectomy port. By maintaining a closed system during IOFB mobilization and removal, the view through the cornea remains stable and intraocular pressure remains constant. Moreover, the snare can grasp irregularly shaped or large IOFBs.