Comparison of the effect of removing bandage contact lens on the days 3 and 5 following photorefractive keratectomy.

Abstract

To compare the outcomes of removing bandage contact lens (BCL) on days 3 and 5 after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). One hundred patients who underwent PRK (a total of 200 eyes) were enrolled in the present study. The subjects were assigned to two groups. Group 1 consisted of the right eyes of subjects and bandage contact lenses removal were on the 3rd day; Group 2 consisted of the fellow eyes of same subjects and removed bandage contact lenses on the 5th day after PRK. Then, data obtained from both groups were compared. To evaluate complications, the subjects underwent a slit-lamp examination in all visits. Filamentary keratitis was observed in one eye in both groups. The frequency of haze was higher in group 1; however, it was not significant between the two groups. Using mixed model analysis, significant differences were observed in the rate of complications as well as pain and eye discomfort scores between the groups (P < 0.05). No major complication was reported. Majority of post-PRK corneal epithelial defect is healed on day 3. However, keeping BCL for 5days postoperatively instead of the three days produces a slightly lower rate of total complication.