Intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) are relatively common, comprising about 28.6% of open globe injuries. Organic IOFBs, such as wood or plant matter, typically lead to severe inflammatory responses, while the response to inorganic IOFB varies based on the specific material involved. Graphite pencil lead injuries to the eye are infrequently reported. We report a case of graphite foreign body in the anterior chamber angle of a 14-year-old male masquerading as stromal keratitis. This case highlights the importance of including anterior chamber foreign bodies in the differential diagnosis when evaluating unilateral idiopathic localized corneal edema. It also highlights the importance of gonioscopy to evaluate the anterior chamber angle in every patient with history of trauma to the eye that can be missed on preliminary evaluation and leads to further misdiagnosis and unfruitful treatment therapy.
Bidasaria et al. (Wed,) studied this question.