A team of plastic surgeons in Beijing made an unexpected discovery during a procedure to treat a woman’s facial asymmetry caused by hemifacial atrophy. The 33-year-old patient, known only as Ms. A, had come to the Plastic Surgery Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences for treatment to address tissue shrinkage and asymmetry.
During the procedure, the doctors intended to inject autologous fat into the hollow area behind her left eye to restore balance. However, as they performed the fat grafting, they unexpectedly found five contact lenses lodged behind her eyeball. Ms. A later mentioned that she had lost several lenses over the past few months but never suspected they had remained in her eye.
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Medical experts explained that the hemifacial atrophy had caused a reduction in the fatty tissue behind her eye, creating a space where the lenses could become trapped. When the fat was injected, it displaced the lenses, making them visible. Remarkably, Ms. A had not experienced any significant discomfort or symptoms despite the presence of multiple lenses.
Although the contact lenses did not harm Ms. A, doctors cautioned that if left undetected for an extended period, they could potentially lead to corneal injuries or infections. The medical team stressed the importance of comprehensive eye examinations for patients with hemifacial atrophy, especially those who wear contact lenses.
This is reportedly the first documented case of multiple contact lenses being hidden within the conjunctiva, drawing attention from ophthalmologists and plastic surgeons worldwide. The unusual discovery underscores the need for both patients and healthcare providers to exercise caution with contact lenses, ensuring proper handling and prompt medical consultation if lenses are lost or discomfort arises.
