Effectiveness of bandage contact lens application in corneal epithelialization and pain alleviation following corneal transplantation; prospective, randomized clinical trial

Abstract

BackgroundTo assess the efficacy of bandage contact lens (BCL) application to promote epithelialization and alleviate pain following corneal transplantation.MethodsTwenty-six consecutive patients who underwent corneal transplantation were randomly assigned to undergo BCL application (BCL group, n = 14) or no BCL application (control group, n = 12) at the end of the surgery. Corneal epithelialization was analyzed by photography using fluorescein staining, and ocular pain was measured using a visual analog scale.ResultsThe mean size of the epithelial defect relative to the graft area in the BCL group was 21.80 ± 35.10 % at the end of surgery, 18.20 ± 31.10 % on postoperative day 1, and 5.45 ± 11.10 % on postoperative days 3 to 5. These values in the control group were 9.64 ± 17.60 % at the end of surgery, 11.50 ± 25.70 % on postoperative day 1, and 0.00 ± 0.00 % on postoperative days 3 to 5. There were no significant differences in the speed of epithelialization between the two groups. The mean preoperative pain score in the BCL group was slightly higher than that control (4.27 ± 1.96 vs. 2.41 ± 2.18, respectively; P = 0.039). The scores significantly increased on postoperative day 1 and promptly returned to preoperative levels by day 7 in both groups, and there were no significant differences between the groups.ConclusionsNo significant benefits of BCL application at the time of corneal transplantation were observed in this study. The efficacy and safety of BCLs in eyes with compromised epithelialization require further study.Trial registration numberUMIN 000019091. Date of registration: 2015/09/22

<p>Bandage Contact Lenses versus Deproteinized Calf Blood Extract Eye Gel for Recurrent Corneal Erosion Syndrome: A Case-Control Study</p>

“…Although there is no consensus on RCES treatment, promoting to regain sufficient and stable adhesion between the corneal epithelial and the underlying stroma is essential for the management of RCES. 17,22 We speculated that wearing BCLs would help mainly in three aspects. First, BCLs help to form a more stable tear film on the ocular surface and provide a scaffold for the migration of epithelial cells, thereby promoting corneal epithelial repair; Secondly, the mechanical barrier function of BCLs can avoid the friction of the eyelid on the cornea, thereby protecting the newly formed corneal epithelium, and allowing time for the defective anchoring system to achieve faster and more stable healing.…”

“…The BCL has been used for ocular surface protection and corneal disease therapy in recent years and has obtained encouraging effects. [16][17][18][19][20] However, there are not many reports about the efficacy of BCLs on recurrent corneal erosion syndrome. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bandage contact lenses in the initial treatment of recurrent corneal erosion syndrome and to provide suggestions for clinical practice.…”

BCLA CLEAR – Medical use of contact lenses

“…BSCLs have been used after penetrating keratoplasty to enhance reepithelialisation, prevent suture irritation, smooth irregularities in the wound margin, and to act as a tamponade for wound leaks since the mid-1970's [182][183][184][185]. In a randomised prospective study, 14 of 26 patients that underwent either deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty or penetrating keratoplasty were fitted with BSCLs and compared to a no lens control group [186]. No differences in any of the outcome measures were found between these two groups.…”

Comparative Evaluation of Bandage Contact Lenses and Eye Patching after Bilateral Cataract Surgery

“…Bandage contact lenses (BCLs) are widely used for corneal diseases (corneal lesions, corneal refractive surgery, and corneal transplantation) to reduce pain, provide mechanical and structural protection, promote epithelial healing, and accelerate visual rehabilitation [3][4][5][6]. BCLs may prolong drug release and retention towards the post-lens tear fluid, which could be useful in the treatment of ocular surface disease.…”