Ultrasound biomicroscopic localization and evaluation of intraocular foreign bodies

Purpose: To evaluate the ultrasound biomicroscopic appearance of anterior segment foreign bodies under clinical and experimental conditions. Methods: Ultrasound biomicroscopy was performed on 4 eyes of 4 patients referred for evaluation of anterior segment trauma and known or suspected intraocular foreign body. Imaging of wood, aluminum, concrete, and glass foreign bodies was performed in the anterior chamber of a human cadaver eye. Results: Ultrasound biomicroscopy verified the location of a foreign body in two patients and identified occult foreign bodies in two others. Under clinical and experimental conditions, intraocular aluminum and glass produced comet tail artifacts. Under experimental conditions intraocular wood and concrete produced shadowing artifacts. Conclusion: Ultrasound biomicroscopy provides useful information in the evaluation of known and occult anterior segment foreign bodies. Ultrasound patterns of shadowing and comet tail may help differentiate foreign body materials.