What is a potential indication that a foreign body is trapped in a contact lens wearer’s eye?

Scratch-like staining is often indicative of a foreign body being trapped under a contact lens. When a foreign object makes contact with the corneal surface, it can create linear abrasions or scratches that correspond with the path of movement of the lens across the eye. This type of trauma typically manifests as staining patterns that resemble scratches and can be visualized during a slit-lamp examination using a dye such as fluorescein.

Additional symptoms might accompany these findings, such as increased discomfort, but the presence of distinct scratch-like staining specifically highlights the potential presence of a foreign body. The other staining patterns, such as center corneal staining or punctate staining, do not specifically suggest foreign bodies but may indicate other conditions, such as corneal irritation or dry eye syndromes. Thus, recognizing scratch-like staining is critical as it points towards possible foreign body entrapment, warranting further examination and appropriate management.