Doctors Find 27 Contact Lenses in Woman’s Eye During Routine Surgery

A routine cataract surgery in the U.K. turned into a bizarre discovery when doctors found a mass of contact lenses lodged under a woman’s right upper eyelid. What initially appeared to be a single lens turned out to be a cluster of 17 lenses fused together by mucus. Upon further inspection, another 10 lenses were uncovered, bringing the total to 27 impacted contacts, according to Live Science.

The woman, who had worn disposable lenses for 35 years, reported no significant discomfort beyond occasional dryness. She admitted that when she couldn’t locate a lens during removal, she assumed it had fallen out.

Potential Risks of Forgotten Lenses

While this case didn’t result in an infection, doctors warn that failing to properly remove contact lenses can lead to serious complications, including:

• Corneal abrasions
• Severe eye infections
• Vision loss in extreme cases

The unusual case serves as a reminder of the importance of regular eye exams. Eye doctors can identify issues like retained lenses early, preventing potential long-term damage.

For contact lens wearers, the takeaway is clear: Always double-check that lenses are removed and prioritize routine eye care.