BACKGROUND This report describes the case of a 43-year-old man with a 30-year history of a retained glass intraocular foreign body (IOFB) presenting with retinal detachment. CASE REPORT We describe this case using patient history, ocular examination, and imaging, including anterior segment photographs, fundus photographs, and B-scan ultrasonography. A 43-year-old man presented with retinal detachment in the right eye. Medical history revealed that the patient had suffered an explosive injury to the right eye 30 years ago, for which he underwent surgical repair at the time of the incident. However, a glass IOFB was left in the eye, either due to an oversight during the initial treatment or an intentional decision by the treating physician. On examination, indirect ophthalmoscopy revealed a half-disc-sized retinal hole at the 9 o'clock position in the peripheral retina, along with long-standing atrophic lesions extending from 12 to 2 o'clock. Temporal macular-involving retinal detachment extending from 6 to 11 o'clock was observed. B-scan ultrasonography confirmed the presence of the glass IOFB. The patient subsequently underwent surgical treatment, including pars plana vitrectomy, removal of the IOFB, retinal reattachment, photocoagulation, and silicone oil tamponade. CONCLUSIONS Patients with open globe injuries should be carefully evaluated with the presumption of an IOFB. IOFBs may remain asymptomatic for decades, underscoring the importance of regular follow-up for patients with retained IOFBs. If complications such as retinal detachment occur, they can be managed routinely.