Total transient visual loss and orbital foreign bodies.

Two children recovered vision after penetrating injury of the orbit by wood had produced sudden blindness. Absent light perception demands urgent action as early visual loss does not necessarily indicate a poor prognosis. The depth and direction of penetration and size of wooden fragments is difficult to assess clinically and radiologically. Immediate and delayed neurological complications should always be anticipated. Removal of all fragments of wood is of paramount importance in restoring visual acuity. Prolonged visual loss with symptoms and signs of retained foreign body demands vigorous management.