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Updated: May 26, 2026
08:18
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Orbital Fractures
Published on: May 16, 2025
Lost contact lens masquerading as an orbital mass
Daniel S Morris1, Peter J Dolman
1University of British Columbia, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, 2550 Willow Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 3N9, Canada.
BMJ Case Reports
|December 23, 2011
Summary
A hidden hard contact lens caused a long-term eyelid mass in a patient. Prompt removal led to full recovery, emphasizing thorough examination for contact lens wearers.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Ophthalmic Surgery
Background:
- A persistent eyelid mass can present diagnostic challenges.
- Contact lens wear is common, but complications can arise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of a long-standing eyelid mass caused by an embedded hard contact lens.
- To underscore the importance of detailed patient history and examination in contact lens-related orbital issues.
Main Methods:
- A 30-year-old female patient presented with a 4-year history of a left upper eyelid mass.
- Ophthalmic examination with eyelid eversion revealed an embedded hard contact lens.
- The embedded contact lens was surgically removed under local anesthesia.
Main Results:
- The embedded hard contact lens was successfully removed from the upper eyelid.
- The patient experienced a complete recovery with resolution of the eyelid mass.
- The etiology of the mass was determined to be the retained contact lens.
Conclusions:
- Embedded contact lenses can manifest as chronic eyelid masses.
- A comprehensive patient history and meticulous examination, including double eyelid eversion, are crucial for diagnosing such cases in contact lens wearers.
- This case highlights a preventable cause of orbital pathology.
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