Removal of semitranslucent cactus spines embedded in deep cornea with the aid of a fiberoptic illuminator.
OBJECTIVE
To report a rare case of multiple cactus spines embedded deep in the cornea that were removed with the aid of a fiberoptic illuminator.


METHODS
Interventional case report.


METHODS
A 20-year-old man had an accidental ocular injury of the right eye when he hit a household miniature cactus plant. There were 80 to 90 spiculated foreign bodies embedded in the cornea, some of them even penetrating the anterior chamber.


RESULTS
Removal of the foreign bodies was performed with the aid of a fiberoptic illuminator, which was chosen because it provides superior visualization of the semitranslucent spines. No residual corneal spines were found postoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
Household miniature cactus plants can cause corneal injury, with multiple foreign bodies that can be difficult to localize and remove. The use of a fiberoptic illuminator in such a situation is simple and effective.
Chen
Wei Li
WL
Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Tseng
Chia Hui
CH
Wang
I Jong
IJ
Hu
Fung Rong
FR
D000061:Accidents, Home; D000328:Adult; D029421:Cactaceae / Q000009:adverse effects*; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D005129:Eye Foreign Bodies / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D015807:Eye Injuries, Penetrating / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008029:Lighting / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D018514:Plant Structures / Q000009:adverse effects*