Clinical Presentation and Management Patterns of Corneal Foreign Bodies: A Cross-Sectional Study

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Corneal foreign body (CFB) injury is a common ophthalmic emergency, particularly among working-age individuals exposed to occupational hazards. Early diagnosis and removal are important to prevent infection, corneal scarring, and visual impairment. Objective: To evaluate the clinical presentation, etiological patterns, and management outcomes of CFB cases in a tertiary-care setting. Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional study included 120 patients presenting with corneal foreign bodies to the Department of Ophthalmology, Mugda Medical College Hospital and Salauddin Specialised Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January to December 2025. Demographic, occupational, clinical, and foreign-body characteristics were recorded. Slit-lamp examination was performed, followed by removal under topical anesthesia, topical antibiotic prophylaxis and follow-up assessment. Results: The majority of patients were male (68.3%) with the highest incidence in the 21-40 years age group (52.5%). Occupational exposure was the leading risk factor, particularly among industrial workers (46.7%). Metallic foreign bodies were the most common (55%), followed by organic particles (25%) and dust/sand particles (20%). Pain (90%), foreign body sensation (88.3%) and redness (75%) were the most common presenting symptoms. Central corneal involvement was observed in 40% of cases. Most patients (85%) were managed successfully with slit-lamp removal and topical antibiotics. Complications such as corneal abrasion and mild scarring were noted in 18% of cases. Conclusion: Corneal foreign body injuries predominantly affect young male workers and are largely preventable. Early presentation and prompt removal result in favorable outcomes. Preventive strategies, including protective eyewear in high-risk occupations should be emphasized.