Perforating Wounds of the Eyeball with and without a Retained Foreign Body.

· AND CHARLES GOULDEN, O.B.E., M.A., M.D., M.Chir., F.R.C.S. (Ophthalmic Surgeon to the London Hospital.) The fate of eyes which have suffered a penetrating injury depends upon a number of factors. It will be clear that the actual extent of the wound is important and of the other factors which influence the condition the most serious are : 1.' Infection. 2. The inclusion of uveal tissue (iris and ciliary body) in the wound. 3. Injury to the lens. 4. The presence of an intra-ocular foreign body. 5. The adequacy of the treatment. The size of the wound does certainly affect the probability of other complications being present too, but it is often the'case that small wounds do badly and large wounds unexpectedly well. Owing to the anterior segment of the eye being naturally exposed to injury, many perforated wounds are accompanied by prolapse of the uvea. The wound must be cleared of incarcerated uveal tissue, but if an intra-ocular foreign body is present, the foreign body should be removed before the prolapse is dealt with.