What began as routine cataract surgery for a 67-year-old patient took a bizarre turn when surgeons discovered a “bluish mass” under her eyelid—it turned out to be 27 contact lenses tightly bound by mucus.

The patient, a long-time monthly contact lens wearer for 35 years, had assumed her minor eye discomfort was due to dry eye or age-related irritation. She had no significant vision complaints prior to the surgery.

During the administration of sub-Tenon anesthesia—an injection around the eye—the anesthetist noticed a sizeable bluish clump. Initial removal retrieved 17 lenses, with a specialist later removing 10 more under microscopic examination. The cataract operation was postponed by two weeks to mitigate infection risk due to bacterial build-up in the eye.

Dr. Rupal Morjaria, trainee ophthalmologist at Solihull Hospital, who co-authored the case report in The BMJ, said the discovery was unprecedented—even more so because the patient experienced surprisingly little irritation. She suggested that the patient’s deep-set eyes may have contributed to lenses remaining hidden for years.

The case highlights the importance of regular eye check-ups for contact lens users. Experts recommend that clinicians inspect under eyelids and consider using fluorescein dye and a blue light to detect hidden lenses, reducing risk of infection and long-term complications.

By Staff Writer, Courtesy of Forbes | December 25, 2024 | Edited for WTFwire.com
Sources: Live Science.