Management of nonmagnetic intraocular foreign bodies: a new approach with the aid of diagnostic x-ray spectrometry.

A new approach is suggested for the management of nonmagnetic intraocular foreign bodies. This approach is based on diagnostic x-ray spectrometry, which is capable of detecting noninvasively the dissolution of metallic intraocular foreign bodies. As long as no copper dissolution is observed, foreign bodies of reasonable size are left in the eye and extraction is recommended whenever a persisting copper dissolution is detected. Of the 32 patients examined and followed up, 23 did not show any copper dissolution. The majority of these patients, one of whom has retained a foreign body for 28 years, have satisfactory visual functions. Of the nine patients in whom copper dissolution was observed, five were operated on. In three of the remaining four patients, the operation was delayed and the dissolution was found to be temporary. These patients retained good visual functions.