The presence of cordite alone as an intraocular foreign body is apparently unusual. Only one reference to such a condition was found in the available literature. Probably cordite has been introduced into the eyes in many wounds due to explosions, but the entrance of the powder has been overshadowed by extensive damage or by the presence of other foreign material.
Two cases are presented in which cordite was introduced into the eye. Cordite1 is a smokeless powder composed of glyceryl trinitrate, guncotton and petrolatum. Glyceryl trinitrate is somewhat soluble in water but is not locally irritant to tissues. Guncotton2 and petrolatum are relatively inert. Goulden and Whiting3 stated :
Particles of quartz, cordite, or an eyelash (unless the follicle be included) may remain in the eye indefinitely without causing trouble, and unless visible in the anterior chamber and easily reached are best left alone in view of the