X-ray Diffraction Analysis to Clarify the Unusual Origin of an Intraocular Foreign Body
Francisco J. Ascaso
Department of Ophthalmology, ‘’Lozano Blesa’’ University Clinic Hospital, Zaragoza, Spain and Aragon Health Sciences Institute, Zaragoza, Spain
Javier Blasco *
Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Aragón, CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza, Condensed Matter Physics Department, Zaragoza, Spain
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Purpose: To clarify the origin of a metallic intraocular foreign body (IOFB) due to a firecracker injury and to show the utility of X-ray diffraction analysis in the identification process.
Methods: Interventional case report using X-ray diffraction technique.
Results: We report a mechanism of firecracker ocular injury not previously described in the published literature. It involved penetration into the eye by a ground particle of calamine (originated from the area of detonation) and not, as it could be suspected, by a firecracker fragment.
Conclusion: X-ray diffraction analysis showed environmental debris in the area of detonation can be injected as foreign material into the eye.
Keywords: Intraocular foreign body, firecracker injury, X-ray diffraction analysis, calamine, endophthalmitis, ultrasonography, computed tomography