In vivo observation of rigid gas-permeable contact lens fragments embedded in cornea.

PURPOSE: Fragments of a rigid gas-permeable contact lens embedded in the corneal subepithelial superficial stroma were observed with an in vivo confocal laser microscope.

CASE REPORT: A 22-year-old man suffered damage to the contact lens in his left eye by the strap of his bag during baggage inspection at airport. Although he developed ocular pain, simply treated it with an artificial tears. He was then referred to and examined at our clinic.

RESULTS

Slitlamp microscopy revealed many bright particles in the subepithelial superficial stroma, but no conjunctival injection or positive vital staining of the keratoconjunctival epithelium. In vivo Confocal laser microscopy revealed a large number of very fine bright particles in the corneal subepithelial superficial stroma, which showed an arrangement like the Milky Way. Because there were no inflammatory cells and no evidence of infection and no influence of these fragments on his vision, it was decided that he would be followed up without removal of the particles.

CONCLUSIONS

In vivo Confocal laser microscope visualized contact lens fragments embedded the subepithelial superficial stroma as very bright particles. Since the presence of inflammatory cells and pathogen could also be denied, microscopy was useful for selecting the treatment.