Trauma ocular abierto penetrante con sospecha de cuerpo extraño intraocular Penetrating open eye injury with suspected intraocular foreign body

ABSTRACT Penetrating open eye injury with suspected intraocular foreign body (IOFB) is a critical emergency with a high risk of blindness. The objective of this study was to describe the diagnostic approach and surgical management of a penetrating open eye injury to optimize clinical outcomes. A retrospective clinical case report was conducted on a 28-year-old male patient treated at the Central Hospital of San Cristóbal, Venezuela. Data collection included medical record review, visual acuity (VA), tonometry, and biomicroscopy. Upon admission, the patient presented VA of counting fingers at 30 cm, severe hypotony, and a 5 mm sclero-conjunctival wound with uveal and vitreous prolapse following a stab wound. Systemic antimicrobial prophylaxis and emergency surgery were performed using anterior manual vitrectomy, primary hermetic closure, and adnexal reconstruction. The three-month evolution was favorable, achieving anatomical stability, absence of infections, and visual recovery of 20/70, with persistent traumatic cataract. It is concluded that early surgical intervention (within 24 hours) and a broad-spectrum antibiotic regimen are crucial for globe preservation. In cases of media opacity, postoperative ultrasound follow-up is essential to rule out posterior segment damage and plan definitive rehabilitation.