Related Experiment Videos
Summary
A lost hard contact lens caused a delayed orbital mass and pain in a patient. A thorough eye exam, including fornix sweeping, is crucial for diagnosing such rare orbital foreign bodies.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Ophthalmic Surgery
- Orbital Imaging
Background:
- Hard contact lenses are rigid gas permeable lenses used for vision correction.
- Ocular adnexa masses can present with varied etiologies, including foreign bodies.
- Delayed presentation of orbital foreign bodies can mimic other orbital pathologies.
Observation:
- A 48-year-old female presented with a painful superonasal orbital mass six years after losing a hard contact lens.
- Initial surgical exploration was non-diagnostic, delaying definitive diagnosis.
- The lost contact lens was eventually discovered in the upper fornix.
Findings:
- A retained intraorbital foreign body, specifically a hard contact lens, can remain asymptomatic for years.
- The contact lens acted as a nidus for inflammation, leading to a symptomatic orbital mass.
- Delayed diagnosis of orbital foreign bodies can result from inadequate examination techniques.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of a comprehensive ocular examination in patients with unexplained orbital masses or pain.
- Techniques such as double lid eversion and fornix sweeping are essential for detecting retained foreign bodies.
- Ophthalmologists should maintain a high index of suspicion for retained intraocular or orbital foreign bodies, even after extended asymptomatic periods.