Abstract
We undertook a prospective slit lamp examination of 56 eyes which had undergone routine phacoemulsification, in order to determine the incidence of metallic intraocular foreign bodies. Characteristic small reflective particles were noted in 86%, with a mean of 5.1 particles per affected eye. No accompanying clinical problems were seen. The used phacoemulsification needles were examined with colour photography and scanning electron microscopy. A characteristic pattern of wear was observed, corresponding to an area under the plastic irrigating sleeve rather than at the tip. This suggests cavitation erosion rather than instrument contacts as the cause. Titanium alloy contains 6% aluminium, 4% vanadium and 0.25% iron. All its constituents may corrode and leach from the surface of the metal when in contact with body fluids and have been implicated in numerous adverse biological processes.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
References
Emery JM, Little JH . Phacoemulsification and aspiration of cataracts. St Louis: CV Mosby, 1979:29.
Metal fragments shed by Storz Premiere Phacoemulsification units. Health Devices 1993;22:304–6.
Williams DF . Titanium: epitome of biocompatibility or cause for concern? J Bone Joint Surg [Br] 1994;76:348–9.
Moran CA, Mullick FG, Ishak KG, et al. Identification of titanium in human tissues: probable role in pathologic processes. Hum Pathol 1991;22:450–4.
Black J . Does corrosion matter? [editorial] J Bone Joint Surg [Br] 1988;70:517–20.
Scales JT . Black staining around titanium alloy prostheses: an orthopaedic enigma [editorial]. J Bone Joint Surg [Br] 1991;73:534–6.
Lalor PA, Revell PA, Gray AB, et al. Sensitivity to titanium: a cause of implant failure? J Bone Joint Surg [Br] 1991;73:25–8.
Jacobs JJ, Skipor AK, Black J, et al. Release and excretion of metals in patients who have a total hip replacement component made of titanium-base alloy. J Bone Joint Surg [Am] 1991;73:1475–86.
Horger OJ, editor. Metals engineering design. 2nd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1965:390–2.
Simons EN . A dictionary of alloys. London: Frederick Muller, 1969:162–3.
Ferguson AB, Akahoshi Y, Laing PG, et al. Characteristics of trace ions released from embedded metal implants in the rabbit. J Bone Joint Surg [Am] 1962;44:323–36.
Abdallah HI, Balsara RK, O'Riordan AC . Pacemaker contact sensitivity: clinical recognition and management [review]. Ann Thoracic Surg 1994;57:1017–8.
Gillespie WI, Frampton CMA, Henderson RI, et al. The incidence of cancer following total hip replacement. J Bone Joint Surg [Br] 1988;70:539–42.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Dunbar, C., Goble, R., Gregory, D. et al. Intraocular deposition of metallic fragments during phacoemulsification: Possible causes and effects. Eye 9, 434–436 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1038/eye.1995.101
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/eye.1995.101
Keywords
This article is cited by
-
Retained foreign objects after routine cataract surgery: a systematic review
Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology (2023)
-
Fibres found in the eye during and after phacoemulsification cataract surgery
Eye (2014)
-
Large metallic fragment found in the angle of anterior chamber after phacoemulsification, and its removal
Eye (2007)
-
Debris on processed ophthalmic instruments: a cause for concern
Eye (2003)
-
Retained fragments in the anterior segment following phacoemulsification surgery
Eye (2002)