To investigate clinical characteristics of post-traumatic intraocular foreign body (IOFB), which occurred between 2006 and 2010, and prognostic factors associated with final visual outcome.

A retrospective chart review was performed of patients with IOFB who visited our clinic from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2010, and who were followed up for more than 6 months. Cross tabulation and correlation analyses were conducted to evaluate the predictive factors related to final visual acuity.

A total of 36 eyes (35 patients) were included in this study. The mean age was 44.2 years, and 33 patients (94.3%) were male. The most common cause of IOFB was lawnmower-related activity (12 patients; 33.3%) and hammering-related activity (11 patients; 30.1%). Among analyzed prognostic factors, only initial visual acuity was significantly correlated with visual outcomes ( p < 0.001).

Compared with previous studies, lawnmower and hammering-related activities were still the most common causes of IOFB, however, the incidence of occurrence in the 40's and 50's was relatively higher than in previous studies. Considering the poor visual outcome of IOFB even after proper surgical treatment, using proper eye protection should be emphasized in a dangerous work environment to prevent ocular trauma.