IOFB removal can be associated with retinal trauma, especially with sharp-edged metallic intraocular foreign bodies. In this case, the a vitreoretinal fellow demonstrates the use of the posterior cortical vitreous as a cushion against retinal injury during IOFB removal. Delaying PVD induction can also minimize turbulence and movement of the IOFB, thereby minimizing iatrogenic retinal trauma. One downside of this technique, however, is that a complete vitrectomy cannot be performed, especially proximal to the vitreous base and near the sclerotomy used to explant the IOFB, thereby increasing the chance of an iatrogenic retinal break during IOFB removal. This case also demonstrates creation of the sclerotomy for IOFB removal, which is purposefully oversized to prevent snagging of the IOFB on the sclerotomy edge and possible loss of the IOFB back into the eye.
