More secure than Koschei's needles: a woman had 27 contact lenses removed from one eye.

During a routine cataract surgery, doctors in the UK made an unexpected and alarming discovery related to the risks associated with prolonged use of contact lenses without proper oversight. One of the woman's eyes was found to be completely filled with contact lenses, 27 of which were removed before further damage to her vision could occur, as reported by Live Science.

While administering anesthesia, a large bluish mass was discovered under the eyelid of the 67-year-old patient scheduled for surgery. Further examination revealed that this mass was a cluster of 17 disposable contact lenses that had stuck together. A microscopic inspection uncovered an additional 10 lenses, resulting in a total of 27 lenses found in her right eye, according to a report published in BMJ.

This case is notable because the patient had not reported any serious eye complaints in the past, aside from mild discomfort that she attributed to aging and dry eyes, despite the shocking number of foreign objects in her eye.

The doctors classified these lenses as "retained foreign bodies," which posed a significant risk of infection. After their removal, the surgery was postponed for two weeks to allow the eye to recover and to reduce potential complications from bacterial accumulation. The patient, who had been using monthly disposable lenses for 35 years, rarely visited an ophthalmologist. Although these lenses are designed to be removed overnight, improper use, as in this case, can lead to complications.

The medical professionals who reported this case suggested that her deeply set eyes may have contributed to the retention of such a large number of lenses without visible changes. This situation underscores the importance of regular eye examinations and proper lens care, they remind. Experts also recommend that doctors conduct comprehensive checks, including evert the patient's eyelids and using fluorescent dyes to identify hidden lenses.

This unusual case serves as an excellent reminder of the broader risks associated with improper contact lens use. According to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 45 million people in the United States alone wear contact lenses. Misuse, including sleeping in lenses or exceeding the recommended wear time, has been linked to conditions such as keratitis—a potentially sight-threatening infection that can lead to vision loss.

Important! This article is based on the latest scientific and medical research and does not contradict it. The text is for informational purposes only and does not contain medical advice. For a diagnosis, please consult a physician.