Efficacy of Bandage Contact Lenses versus Eye Patching in Early Postoperative Period of Müller’s Muscle-Conjunctival Resection

Abstract

Purpose: Patients with blepharoptosis who are treated with Müller’s muscle-conjunctival resection (MMCR) may experience postoperative pain and discomfort related to the suture material on the palpebral conjunctiva. This study aims to compare the postoperative subjective complaints, such as pain and discomfort, with a visual analog scale (VAS), and objectively evaluate the cornea with a tear break-up time (TBUT) test and fluorescein staining following MMCR that was managed by either a bandage contact lens (BCL) or eye patching. Methods: Forty patients who had undergone a unilateral MMCR were randomized into 2 groups. Group 1 (n = 20) received a BCL, and group 2 (n = 20) received an eye patch following the MMCR. Patients were evaluated postoperatively at 1 and 7 days in this prospective study. The postoperative pain was measured using a VAS, and the requirement for anti-inflammatory medication was analyzed. A slit-lamp examination was performed to evaluate the cornea with a TBUT test and fluorescein staining by objectively using the National Eye Institute (NEI) classification. Results: BCL treatment decreased the VAS score, the need for anti-inflammatory medications, and fluorescein staining using the NEI score and increased the TBUT score significantly compared with the eye patch treatment (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the use of a BCL may be beneficial in terms of reducing early postoperative pain and eye stinging, protecting the cornea, and retaining the ability to perform daily activities following a MMCR.