Delayed Epithelial Closure After PRK Associated With Topical Besifloxacin Use

Abstract

To report the observation of prolonged reepithelialization after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) associated with the use of besifloxacin 0.6% (Besivance; Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, NY) underneath bandage contact lenses (BCLs) placed during surgery. An office-based private practice and retrospective chart review. The healing parameters examined included epithelial healing time, haze formation, discomfort, and visual recovery of 4 patients (7 eyes) treated with besifloxacin 0.6% under BCLs placed after the PRK was performed. All the eyes had delayed epithelial closure (mean, 8.8 days; range 5-13 days). All the patients experienced a delayed visual recovery and significant pain after the surgery, and 2 of 4 patients experienced recurrent corneal erosions for weeks to months after they underwent the PRK. All but 1 eye developed corneal haze persisting for 1 year or more after the surgery. Only 1 eye among the 7 eyes treated with besifloxacin 0.6% under the BCL had 20/20 or better uncorrected visual acuity 3 months postoperatively. All the patients treated with besifloxacin 0.6% on the stromal bed exhibited significant problems with corneal epithelial healing and delayed visual recovery. We caution the use of besifloxacin 0.6% underneath a BCL during a PRK or other ocular surface surgeries requiring corneal epithelial debridement.