Doctors Remove Five Forgotten Contact Lenses from Woman’s Eye

In an unusual medical incident, doctors in China were left shocked after discovering five contact lenses lodged behind a 33-year-old woman’s left eyelid. The woman had initially visited the hospital for a cosmetic consultation to correct facial asymmetry caused by a medical condition and was unaware that the lenses had accumulated over the years. Remarkably, she did not experience discomfort or vision problems despite the presence of the lenses.^[1]

Unexpected Discovery During Cosmetic Consultation
The woman was undergoing a pre-procedure examination for a planned fat injection to enhance the area around her left eye. However, the procedure took an unexpected turn when medical professionals noticed multiple transparent contact lenses surfacing from the upper eyelid’s fornix—the small space between the eyelid and the eyeball. Further inspection revealed a total of five dislodged lenses that had remained unnoticed for years. The patient recalled losing several lenses but had never sought medical attention due to the absence of significant eye irritation.

Medical Risks and Expert Warnings
The medical team identified that individuals with hemifacial atrophy—such as this patient—are at a higher risk of contact lenses becoming trapped in hidden spaces of the eye. They issued a strong warning to contact lens wearers, emphasising the importance of removing lenses daily and seeking medical attention at the first sign of discomfort or unusual symptoms.

Experts believe that this case serves as a critical reminder of the potential complications associated with improper contact lens use, particularly for those with facial asymmetry or other predisposing conditions. Ophthalmologists stress the need for proper lens hygiene and routine eye check-ups to prevent similar occurrences.

Similar Cases and Global Concern
Although uncommon, instances have been documented in the past. In one highly publicized case in America, eye surgeon Dr. Katarina Kurteeva took 23 contact lenses from the eye of a single patient. The patient had not removed her lenses at bedtime and continued placing new ones daily, causing buildup. Dr. Kurteeva also posted a video of the procedure, which caused a stir online, and exposed the risks associated with improper care of the eyes.

Preventative Practices for Contact Lens Safety
In order to circumvent such health crises, ophthalmic care practitioners advise:
- Daily Removal: Always remove contact lenses at bedtime to avoid infection and lens displacement.
- Proper Hygiene: Properly clean and store lenses to reduce bacterial contamination.
- Regular Eye Examinations: Have regular check-ups to keep eyes under surveillance and detect any deviations in advance.

These simple yet crucial steps can help prevent severe eye complications and ensure the long-term safety of contact lens wearers.

_{Note: This content is purely informational and isn’t medical guidance. It shouldn’t replace professional medical counsel. Always consult your physician regarding treatment risks and benefits.}

References

1. "Eye Doctor Removes 23 Contact Lenses from Woman’s Eye in Viral Video" – People Magazine. Available at: https://people.com/woman-had-five-contact-lenses-stuck-under-eyelid-photos-11681894

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Pragati Sakhuja/MSM)