Magnet for Corneal Foreign Bodies

The vast majority of corneal foreign bodies are metallic and thus are frequently ferromagnetic. Consequently, it may be possible to use a magnet to remove most corneal foreign bodies. There are commercially available products for removing corneal foreign bodies, but there are no published studies assessing these devices.

This will be a prospective interventional study to assess the use of an eye magnet for the removal of metallic corneal foreign bodies in the emergency department.

After the patient signs written, informed consent, the physician will attempt to remove the corneal foreign body with the North by Honeywell 326734G Eye Magnet with Loop. If the physician is unable to remove the corneal foreign body with the magnet, he or she may proceed with standard care.

The treating physician will fill out a brief data collection form for each patient to track various outcomes as discussed below.

Inclusion criteria

• present to the emergency department with a metallic corneal foreign body

Exclusion criteria

• prisoners
• pregnant women
• have pacemakers or metallic facial implants
• possible globe rupture